The Histopathology Technologist position is located at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System hospital, within the Anatomic Pathology section of the laboratory. 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. Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 3. Education: Individuals must meet one of the requirements below: 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 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 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. 4. 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: Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS). OR 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. Loss of Certification: Employees who fail to maintain the required certification must be removed from the histopathology technologist, GS-0601 occupation, which may result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision: 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: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled; OR Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; OR A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs (a)-(f) and additional KSAs based on the specific duties assigned: (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. 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. Skill in planning and administering an ongoing continuing education program for the laboratory to meet accreditation standards. Skill in maintaining and troubleshooting computers and laboratory system instrumentation. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/118, PART II, APPENDIX G65, Dated November 25, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The duties and responsibilities of the GS-11 Histopathology Technologist include, but are not limited to the following: Performs routine histology procedures including but not limited to accessioning, grossing, tissue processing, cutting and H&E staining of surgical, biopsy and autopsy specimens and also prepares cytology non-GYN and GYN specimens. The incumbent must be able to assist in autopsy procedures and the maintenance of the autopsy suite. Assist pathologist with frozen sections or prepares and cuts tissue specimens for frozen sections for rapid diagnosis and interpretation of tissue sections during surgery, and assists during fine needle aspiration procedures when necessary or requested. Prepares reagents for special staining, histochemical or immunohistochemical procedures and obtains and prepares control tissues. Acts as a liaison to other departments of the medical center for the appropriate laboratory specialty. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed and team priorities, goals, needs and achievements are coordinated with management. Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis, communicating with the biomedical engineering department as necessary for maintenance. Performs advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples and guides staff in preparation of the most difficult specimens. Applies professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. Introduces new tests including stain protocol research, test protocol setup, validation testing, record keeping, and documentation. Utilize information technology to perform tasks related to histotechnology. Troubleshoot a variety of specialized lab tests as well as equipment by using independent judgment and resources available to resolve issues. Works with leadership to develop and monitor laboratory quality control systems and performance indicators, maintains a record keeping system and plans, implements, and coordinates preventive maintenance of all instrument. Identifies and documents suboptimal testing, process and procedures taking corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on patient samples. Organize, coordinate, and prioritize work assignments. Responsible for laboratory continuous readiness for regulating agency inspections and accreditation from agencies, such as The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO) and College of American Pathologists (CAP), OSHA. Work Schedule: Full-time; Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm (Tour of Duty may vary) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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. VA health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Our medical center provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiology, mental health care, treatment for spinal cord injuries and disorders, suicide prevention, women’s health services, and more.
The Grand Junction VA Medical Center services those who serve our country providing critical medical services including acute and chronic inpatient and outpatient care. The facility consists of 53-bed capabilities for surgical procedures, specialty care, psychiatric in/outpatient services, as well as a Community Living Center, and social programs and services. The service area encompasses western Colorado and eastern Utah regions and includes the primary VAMC plus four satellite clinics.
