Histopathology Technician

Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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. Do you have at least 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. Specialized Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; utilizing independent judgment to perform the full range of duties including analyzing and evaluating laboratory results. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of professional anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing for sound independent work. Knowledge of laboratory quality control and assurance procedures, principles of performance improvement, reagent management, inventory supply systems, and document control systems. Knowledge of anatomic pathology laboratory equipment and ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation. Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments. Ability to use independent technical judgment to analyze and evaluate laboratory results. 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). References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/102 PART II APPENDIX G55 Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing, sitting, transporting samples between work areas, stretching, reaching, bending, and lifting of reagents/supplies for instruments. Moderate risks of discomfort associated with working in a clinical laboratory with regular and recurrent possible exposure to hazards such as infectious, chemical and/or environmental agents and performing repetitive motions to complete tasks. Safety guidelines on safe equipment operation must be adhered to. There is a possibility of constant stress and mental pressure to complete all testing in an accurate and timely manner for quality patient care.
The Advanced Histopathology Technician assumes a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and resolving higher-level issues and is expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The Advanced Histopathology Technician will embed, cut, and stain tissue for diagnostic interpretation by a pathologist, as well as cut frozen sections of significant complexity on a STAT basis. Recruitment Incentive is Authorized