Histopathology Technician

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Harry S. Truman VA Medical Center is seeking a Histopathology Technician at the GS-5/6 level to support the Pathology and Laboratory service line.

The role focuses on processing tissue and cytology samples for pathologist interpretation and patient care decisions. Qualified candidates will have either a health-care experience or education in chemical/biological science, with potential entry at GS-5 and advancement to GS-6 based on demonstrated KSAs and performance within a structured federal

Qualifications

• One year of health care experience or education in a related field.
• Education alternatives meet basic GS-5 requirements for entry.
• Candidates may qualify through combinations of experience and education.

Skills

Anatomic pathology knowledge

QC procedures

Independent judgment

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree with related courses

24 semester hours in Chemistry/Biology

12-month histopathology training

Associate degree in health care field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

The Histopathology Technician position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory service line at Harry S. Truman VA Medical Center. This occupation possess the knowledge and skills to process anatomical tissue and cytological cell samples obtained from the patients by a clinician. The work performed by histopathology technicians is vital for pathologists to interpret laboratory results and provide diagnoses that allow clinicians to plan appropriate and life-saving treatments for patients.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience and/or Education:

Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician.

OR,

Education (a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry;or (b) Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology

OR,

Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level (GS5 level only) for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below:

(a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science, surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position; or an associate's degree in a health care related field. (b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces.

Grade Determinations

GS-5 (Entry Level)

Experience and/or Education: None beyond the basic requirements

Grade Determination: GS-6 (Full Performance Level)

(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5).

(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs.

• (a) Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work.
• (b) Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems.
• (c) Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation.
• (d) Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.
• (e) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results.
• English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5.a., this part.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6.