The Histopathology Technician (HT) at this level develops, performs, evaluates, interprets, correlates, and validates the accuracy of laboratory procedures and results. Testing procedures are performed on a variety of biological specimens and/or environmental samples using manual or automated techniques, and require a broad exercise of independent judgment and responsibility with minimal technical supervision. BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) b. Experience and Education (1)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, (2)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, (3)Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level 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. c. Certification. None d. Grandfathering Provision. All Histopathology Technicians employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: e. Physical Requirements: The work requires some physical exertion such as regular and recurring standing, walking, bending and occasional lifting items up to 40 lbs. In many situations the duration of the activity (most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. There may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination or good color vision. Job may intel heavy carrying 45 pounds and over, pushing 1-2 hours, use of fingers, both hands required, standing up to 4 hours, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, good distance vision in 1 eye and ability to read without strain, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), emotional/mental stability. f. 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. GRADE REQUIREMENTS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Histopathology Technician, GS-7 (Advanced) (1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-06) (2) Assignment. Histopathology technicians at this level generally have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight, and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The incumbent will have the responsibility of performing difficult specialized histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical procedures, as well as developing, modifying, or adapting new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs. (a) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. (b) Ability to provide technical oversight of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures and principles of performance improvement exhibiting competence in managing reagent and supply inventories and document control systems. (c) Ability to validate methodologies, operate anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and perform complex instrument troubleshooting. (d) Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results and resolve problems. Preferred Experience: Skill, knowledge and experience working in a clinical laboratory in the department of histology performing clinical lab specimens, butting and embedding body tissues in a clinical lab setting and working with IHC stains. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. ["Histopathology technician positions include requirements to monitor quality control systems and measures; collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients; troubleshoot issues with instrumentation; resolve problems encountered in the laboratory, and provide education for laboratory/other healthcare professionals and others in the medical center setting. The duties and responsibilities of the GS-7 histopathology technician includes all duties at the entry and full performance level positions, plus the following: Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Performs a broad range of histological and histochemical procedures. In addition, performs advanced and complex histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles. Recognizes and communicates pre-defined critical results affecting patient care. Develops, modifies, or adapts new staining methods or techniques, improving existing methods as necessary for routine Histo-technology procedures. Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for analysis taking into account physiologic processes and requirements. Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment. Uses, calibrates, identifies malfunctions, repairs, and performs preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment. Troubleshoots issues with laboratory instruments and resolves problems. Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control and quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Follows College of American Pathologist (CAP) accreditation regulations and applicable Federal, State and Local laws, guidelines and regulations. Assists with CAP checklist self-evaluation. Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and suggests solutions. Answers inquiries regarding histological slide/test results, staining methodology-and specific factors, which influence histologic test results. Interprets results and suggests follow-up staining selection or procedures. Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the histology laboratory. Assists with instruction and training of new employees, residents and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member. Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others). Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Performs additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
