Histopathology Technologist
The incumbent will:
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 histopathology 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 gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs. Examines and describes, using dictating equipment, gross surgical specimens, noting size, color, consistency and anatomic orientation, identifying abnormalities and removing appropriate tissue samples for microscopic examination and diagnosis. Orders additional procedures that are appropriate to specific specimens and/or disease states. Maintains constant surveillance over work to assure proper processing of tissue specimens, especially those requiring special handling (e.g. immunofluorescence, special histological staining or techniques, etc.), independently evaluating the acceptability of submitted material and, acting for the Chief, Anatomic pathology Service, returning unacceptable specimens, with explanation, to the contributor. Prepares frozen sections for the Pathologist to include gross description, cryostat sectioning and staining of glass slides. Processes all cytological specimens:
Prepares smears, cellblocks and special stains. Assists the Pathologist with Fine Needle Aspirations. Embeds tissue with proper orientation in a variety of media. Utilizes a microtome or cryostat to section embedded tissue. Determines the appropriate number of levels to cut for the type of embedded specimen. Determines which special stain is required to demonstrate tissue elements and properties (e.g. Congo Red for amyloid or Fontana-Masson for melanin). Performs microscopic evaluation of stains for acceptability of stain reaction through the utilization of positive and negative quality control. -Performs complex immunohistochemical procedures and staining. Provides guidance to pathologists and residents regarding immunohistochemical antibodies and their specificities. Serves as histopathology technician in the MOHs surgery lab in the Dermatology Service. Directly interacts with surgeons in justifying excision specimen orientation, mapping, dissection, preparation, processing and diagnosis. Responsibilities during the surgical procedure will include dissection and orientation of the skin tumor tissue removed from patients in the MOHs surgery clinic, preparation and staining of frozen sections, microscopic evaluation of the adequacy of frozen sections for viewing surgical margins, adjustments to the sectioning procedure and trimming tissue for optimal evaluation. Post-surgical duties include photographing and archiving microscopic images, archiving slides and accessioning and processing tissue for examination by a PLMS pathologist. Prepares Histology for the Joint Commission, OSHA, EPA inspections. Monitors and troubleshoots the Histology laboratory information system. Temporary assignment as the CERNER/EHRM coordinator for Anatomic Pathology. Instructs pathology residents, interns and medical students in the procedures and techniques used in examining, describing and dissecting organs and tissues removed during surgery, including pathophysiology of disease processes, recognition and identification of abnormalities and disease entities, both expected and unexpected, type and purpose of surgery performed, anatomic orientation of tissues and organs, and procedures which enable the pathologist to provide accurate and complete information, upon which therapeutic decisions are often based. Instruction includes demonstrations of techniques and advising as to the best methods of special processing techniques for demonstrating the absence or presence and extent of disease, and evaluating adequacy of the surgical procedure performed. Keeps abreast of changes and new developments in the field of anatomic pathology. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 7:
30 am to 4:
00 pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. 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. 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). Preferred
Experience:
MOHS HISTOLOGY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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 OR (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; OR (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. NOTE:
Advanced duties may include one or more of the tasks identified below. Additionally, when these duties are required, the advanced histopathology technologist must demonstrate the corresponding KSAs as identified in KSAs (g) through (k):
(a) Mohs:
Performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostat sectioning, and staining of all types of Mohs specimens under the direction of the Mohs surgeon. (KSA g) (b) Electron Microscopy (EM):
Utilizes an electron microscope, performs ultrathin-cryomicrotomy, and carries out staining of ultrastructural components. (KSA h) (c) Safety Coordination:
Oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. (KSA i) (d) Laboratory Education:
Plans and administers an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff to meet accreditation requirements. (KSA j) (e) Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinator:
Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems/computer use and system maintenance. (KSA k) 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. (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. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.), Reaching above shoulders, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Standing (5 hrs.), Depth perception, Ability to distinguish shades of colors.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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 histopathology 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 gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs. Examines and describes, using dictating equipment, gross surgical specimens, noting size, color, consistency and anatomic orientation, identifying abnormalities and removing appropriate tissue samples for microscopic examination and diagnosis. Orders additional procedures that are appropriate to specific specimens and/or disease states. Maintains constant surveillance over work to assure proper processing of tissue specimens, especially those requiring special handling (e.g. immunofluorescence, special histological staining or techniques, etc.), independently evaluating the acceptability of submitted material and, acting for the Chief, Anatomic pathology Service, returning unacceptable specimens, with explanation, to the contributor. Prepares frozen sections for the Pathologist to include gross description, cryostat sectioning and staining of glass slides. Processes all cytological specimens:
Prepares smears, cellblocks and special stains. Assists the Pathologist with Fine Needle Aspirations. Embeds tissue with proper orientation in a variety of media. Utilizes a microtome or cryostat to section embedded tissue. Determines the appropriate number of levels to cut for the type of embedded specimen. Determines which special stain is required to demonstrate tissue elements and properties (e.g. Congo Red for amyloid or Fontana-Masson for melanin). Performs microscopic evaluation of stains for acceptability of stain reaction through the utilization of positive and negative quality control. -Performs complex immunohistochemical procedures and staining. Provides guidance to pathologists and residents regarding immunohistochemical antibodies and their specificities. Serves as histopathology technician in the MOHs surgery lab in the Dermatology Service. Directly interacts with surgeons in justifying excision specimen orientation, mapping, dissection, preparation, processing and diagnosis. Responsibilities during the surgical procedure will include dissection and orientation of the skin tumor tissue removed from patients in the MOHs surgery clinic, preparation and staining of frozen sections, microscopic evaluation of the adequacy of frozen sections for viewing surgical margins, adjustments to the sectioning procedure and trimming tissue for optimal evaluation. Post-surgical duties include photographing and archiving microscopic images, archiving slides and accessioning and processing tissue for examination by a PLMS pathologist. Prepares Histology for the Joint Commission, OSHA, EPA inspections. Monitors and troubleshoots the Histology laboratory information system. Temporary assignment as the CERNER/EHRM coordinator for Anatomic Pathology. Instructs pathology residents, interns and medical students in the procedures and techniques used in examining, describing and dissecting organs and tissues removed during surgery, including pathophysiology of disease processes, recognition and identification of abnormalities and disease entities, both expected and unexpected, type and purpose of surgery performed, anatomic orientation of tissues and organs, and procedures which enable the pathologist to provide accurate and complete information, upon which therapeutic decisions are often based. Instruction includes demonstrations of techniques and advising as to the best methods of special processing techniques for demonstrating the absence or presence and extent of disease, and evaluating adequacy of the surgical procedure performed. Keeps abreast of changes and new developments in the field of anatomic pathology. Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 7:
30 am to 4:
00 pm Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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. 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. 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. 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). Preferred
Experience:
MOHS HISTOLOGY EXPERIENCE REQUIRED English Language Proficiency. Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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 OR (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum; OR (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum. NOTE:
Advanced duties may include one or more of the tasks identified below. Additionally, when these duties are required, the advanced histopathology technologist must demonstrate the corresponding KSAs as identified in KSAs (g) through (k):
(a) Mohs:
Performs color mapping, embedding with precise orientation, cryostat sectioning, and staining of all types of Mohs specimens under the direction of the Mohs surgeon. (KSA g) (b) Electron Microscopy (EM):
Utilizes an electron microscope, performs ultrathin-cryomicrotomy, and carries out staining of ultrastructural components. (KSA h) (c) Safety Coordination:
Oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. (KSA i) (d) Laboratory Education:
Plans and administers an ongoing continuing education program for laboratory staff to meet accreditation requirements. (KSA j) (e) Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinator:
Carries out day-to-day operations related to laboratory information systems/computer use and system maintenance. (KSA k) 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. (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. References:
VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements:
Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), Moderate carrying (15-44 lbs.), Reaching above shoulders, Use of fingers, Both hands required, Standing (5 hrs.), Depth perception, Ability to distinguish shades of colors.
- Department:
0601 General Health Science - Salary Range:
$70,120 to $91,155 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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