Histopathology Technologist (Advanced)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair

Orlando (FL)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 85,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Histopathology Technologist (Advanced) to perform complex tests including IHC, FISH, CISH, and gross dissection in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

The role requires a relevant degree, ASCP HTL certification, and the ability to work at an advanced level with specialized equipment. The incumbent will independently perform a full range of tests, troubleshoot instrumentation, and train staff while ensuring compliance with CAP/TJC/OSHA safety

Qualifications

Education must be four-year degree in health sciences or related field.
Alternative: 30 biology/chemistry credits combining biology and chemistry.
Graduate level education with clinical practicum may qualify.

Responsibilities

Perform full range of specialized histopathology tests, including FISH and CISH.
Operate and maintain histology instrumentation and troubleshoot issues.
Guide staff in preparing difficult specimens and ensure quality control.

Skills

Histopathology techniques

Instrumentation operation

Mohs procedures

Ultrathin microtomy

Electron microscopy

Safety regulations awareness

Continuing education program

Laboratory IT systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in health sciences

30 biology & chemistry credit hours

Graduate education with clinical practicum

Tools

NAACLS-accredited histotechnician program

Job description

As the Histopathology Technologist (Advanced), occupies a staff position in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and performs complex laboratory functions and performs a full range of specialized testing. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.
English language proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
Education. Individuals must meet one of the requirements below:
(1) Successful completion of a full four-year course of study from an accredited college or university, leading to a bachelor's or higher degree, that included a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a histopathology technologist, such as, but not limited to clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy; OR,
(2) Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both); OR,
(3) Successful completion of two years of progressively higher level graduate education, leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree, with a major study in an academic field related to health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the position of histopathology technologist, such as clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, premedical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy.

Foreign Education.

To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs.

Certification

Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. The ASCP requires completion of one of the following for a candidate to be considered "board eligible" to take the certification exam:

(a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
(b) One year of full-time experience in all of the following: fixation, embedding, microtomy, processing, and staining in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory.
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).

Grade Determinations

Histopathology Technologist, GS-11: Education and Experience. Must meet one of the following:

(a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled;
(b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum;
(c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum.

Assignment

At the advanced level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis; perform advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples; and guide staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. Act as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and using independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns. Organize, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments. The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. At the advanced level, the histopatholgy technologists introduce new tests, including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, and record-keeping and documentation. Utilize information technology to perform tasks related to histotechnology. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs:

(a) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests.
(b) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis.
(c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques.
(d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample.
(e) Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments, both individual and team related.
(f) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity.
(g) Skill in performing detailed Mohs procedures.
(h) **Ability to perform ultrathin microtomy, and operate an electron microscope. Knowledge of microanatomy sufficient to note ultrastructural and microchemical findings.
(i) ***Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines from organizations such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (TJC), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation.
(j) ****Skill in planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards.
(k) *****Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation.