Histopathology Technician
What you'd do
A Histopathology Technician at the full performance level uses independent judgement to perform the full range of duties including analyzing and evaluating laboratory results.
Major duties
The duties and responsibilities of the Histopathology Technician include, but are not limited to the following: - Receives all requests and specimens for testing into the laboratory. Verifies the accuracy and completeness of the request and proper sample submission. Properly identifies all specimens. Verifies discrepancies with the provider. Accessions all specimens into the hospital computer system. Records workload data for the histopathology laboratory. Prepares specimens for examination by the pathologist. - Performs fixation techniques that are non-routine such as immunohistochemistry, muscle, and nerve studies, as well as bone decalcification. Understands the unique fixation requirements of each type and size of specimen, and whether or not the specimen must have special treatment before fixation. - Must understand the difference in each type of tissue, how they will respond to different processing protocols, and to determine the correct processing fit for each individual specimen. - Embeds tissue of all sizes in the proper medium and in the proper manner for correct sectioning. - Is able to operate the microtome to achieve tissue sections of the thickness requested by the pathologist. - Performs routine and special stains as requested by the pathologist. This includes advanced staining techniques through automation and manual methods. These procedures must be adapted to individual variance in specimen and stain performance. After each stain, the technician must accept or reject slides based upon the proper staining reactions before submitting to the pathologist for microscopic diagnosis. Manual and automated cover-slipping skills are also required. - Frozen section preparation includes orienting and freezing the unfixed specimen in appropriate medium and sectioning it with a cryostat microtome. Unique staining and cover-slipping techniques are used for frozen sections. These procedures are done with the patient under anesthesia, with the surgeon waiting for results. Therefore, these procedures, while delicate, and complex, are for rapid, intra-operative diagnosis. - Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification throughout all steps/processes in the histology laboratory. - Maintains histology equipment and instruments. - Maintains the frozen section and grossing area for pathologists; notifies lead histopathology technician when there is less than a 7-day supply of reagents, supplies, and tools. - Prepare and ship specimens required for consultation. - Transcribes dictation from pathologists and enters the Anatomic Pathology reports and Autopsy Protocols into the VistA computer system. Support for the program includes patient report distribution and filing, as needed and selection/processing of professional review materials such as physician peer review and maintenance of these records. - The incumbent will transcribe supplementary reports for histology specimens received from reference laboratories that required further testing not available at the VHSO laboratory. - Maintain block and slide files. - Performs and documents quality control and participates in quality assurance activities. - Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory. - Identifies discrepancies. - Trains the same and lower grade technicians in the use of new procedures and instrumentation. - 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 histopathology and cytopathology principles. - Organizes work and sets priorities to mee deadlines. - Assists in autopsy procedures and the maintenance of the autopsy suite, as needed. - Performs phlebotomy and specimen processing as assigned. - Incumbent may be assigned other duties within the incumbent's skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the service. Work Schedule: The schedule for this position offers multiple options and will be discussed during the interview process; subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not Available Compressed schedule: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00675-F, 564-00676-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
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 Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5.a., this part. Experience and 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 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 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 for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below: 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. 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. Certification: None. 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade. Histopathology Technician, GS-5 (Entry Level) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Histopathology Technician, GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience with anatomic pathology and histology in a clinical setting. References: 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-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations
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