Cytotechnologist

aah; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 79,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Cytotechnologist to evaluate gynecologic and non-gynecologic samples, ensuring accurate diagnoses and high-quality reports. The role supports QC/QA programs and can involve immunohistochemistry and molecular testing oversight.

Licensure includes ASCP CT/SCT options, with certification within 1 year if needed. The position emphasizes accuracy, teamwork and adherence to CLIA'88 guidelines in a full-time, first-shift lab setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences or Cytotechnology.
• No experience required.
• CAAHEP-accredited cytotechnology training required.
• 12 hours cytology proficiency testing/CE required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of diagnostic principles and interprets gynecologic/non-gynecologic evaluations.
• Identifies accurate diagnoses within department guidelines and tracks discrepancies.
• Ensures proper labeling, data entry, and timely reporting according to QA program.
• Assists in preparing cytology slides from FNA procedures with proper technique.
• May perform QC/QA for cytology, IHC, and molecular testing; troubleshoots instruments.

Skills

Cytology knowledge

Teamwork

Computer proficiency

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology

Job description

Department

60346 IL ACL Laboratories - IL Central Lab: Cytology

Status

Full time

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Hours Per Week

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information

First shift, full time

Pay Range

$38.20 - $57.30

Major Responsibilities

• Demonstrates working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic evaluations and consistent screening productivity. Evaluates patient samples to determine the absence or presence of malignant and pre-malignant changes, infectious and inflammatory processes.
• Identifies and provides accurate diagnoses within the department guidelines. False negative fraction and major/minor discrepancy within acceptable range set by the Supervisor Technical Lab. Follows screening limits and workload policy as required by the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA'88).
• Ascertains specimens are properly identified, labeled, data entered and suitable for testing. Identifies and corrects, as needed, patient demographics, clinical history, specimen identification and billing errors. Ensures reports are precise, accurate and timely according to the quality assurance program.
• Assists and prepares cytology slides from fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures using the proper technique.
• May perform, evaluate and monitor quality control and quality assurance for cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, noting trends and identifying issues. Troubleshoots equipment, validates instruments, and tests according to established protocols. Recognizes indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction; evaluates and implements appropriate corrections.
• Documents all appropriate information for quality assurance/improvement according to established protocol. Monitors workflow and makes necessary adjustment to complete work in an appropriate time frame.
• Utilizes all required computer information systems appropriately. Follows policy for reporting and entering results in the department computer system. Refers cases for quality control review and pathologist interpretation.
• Understands, follows, and assists in improving laboratory procedures, policies, and processes. Supports change efforts within the organization and contributes to their successful implementation. Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
• Provides general direction and technical assistance to lab aides, pathologists, colleagues, client services and clients.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required

• Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or
• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or
• Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) needs to be obtained within 1 year.

Education Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or
• Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Minimum one year of training in a school of cytotechnology that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Required to participate in cytology proficiency testing and continuing education, having a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Attend and participate with mandatory in-services and department meetings.
• Have a working knowledge of cytologic specimen processing.
• Maintain constructive and effective communication to enhance department performance.
• Must be able to work well with others in a team to complete tasks.
• Must be able to demonstrate computer competency and be detail oriented. Maintain current knowledge of and comply with contents of all pertinent policy and procedure manuals.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in and out of the workplace.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to operate all equipment essential in performing the job.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for the majority of the workday.
• Ability to sit in a static position for extended periods of time.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radiation, reagents, radioisotopes, and infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood, body fluids and tissue.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training

• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job

• Incentive pay for select positions

• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs

• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses

• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave

• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs

• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.