Career Center

As crucial members of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service, histopathology Technicians possess broad knowledge of biological sciences and the skills necessary to process all types of anatomic pathology specimens. The work performed by histopathology technician is vital for Pathologists to interpret biopsy samples and render diagnoses that allow for planning appropriate and life-saving treatments. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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 (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, 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. 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: GS-5 (Entry Level) None beyond the basic requirements. GS-6 (Full Performance Level) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 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. Preferred Experience: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program, and ASCP Certification as either Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP) or Histotechnician, HT(ASCP). Hospital laboratory experience with Fixation, Processing, Embedding, Microtomy, and Staining. References: VA Handbook 5005/102 Part II Appendix G55 Dated April 6, 2018 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: Work is performed inside and outside in midts of fumes, smoke or gasses, solvents, greases and oils, radiant energy. There may be slippery or uneven walking surfaces with the expectation to work around machinery with moving parts, moving objects or vehicles. Candidate may work with hands in water, work closely with others and may be exposes to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens. Moderate lifting 15-44 pounds; Reaching above shoulder; Both hands required; Use of fingers; Walking 2 hours; Standing 5 hours, Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13' to 16' to Jaeger 1 to 4; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid permitted); Emotional stability; Must not be color blind; ["Major duties for the position include (but are not limited to): Receives and accessions specimens using appropriate techniques, maintaining proper identification. The incumbent, if qualified to do so under all applicable rules and regulations related to the performance of high complexity testing/ grossing, performs all elements of gross examination. Prepares specimens for analysis according to the specifications of the procedure. Handles all types of human tissue which may include; receiving, checking, accepting, timing, logging, storing and/or shipping, if necessary. Provides technical guidance to ensure all tissues are properly oriented when embedding them, according to established procedures and depending on the type of specimen being prepared (e.g. shave biopsies on edge; core biopsies to demonstrate the maximum amount of tissue). Processes all cytological specimens including sputa, body secretions, fluids and fine needle aspirates. Is present in Radiology to prepare smears, cytological specimens for cyto preparation and cellblocks, and to determine if any tissue or bone is present for fixation in formalin. Recognizes origin and type of tissues and properly orients and cuts small or complex specimens, choosing appropriate microtome knives and section thickness. Functions as Autopsy Prosector, prepares bodies for post-mortem examination, maintains morgue and instruments, releases bodies to funeral homes following proper procedures. Prepares frozen tissue sections for special immunological studies which includes; selecting, freezing, cutting (microtomy) and staining tissue for frozen section exam by the pathologist. Teaches and trains other laboratory personnel to perform immunohistochemistry, special, and H&E staining. Stains tissue sections using special stains as required, including, but not limited to Acid Fast, Alcian Blue, Congo Red, Iron, Methenamine Silver, PAS-Schiff, and Trichrome. As special staining requires microscopic differentiation for acceptance, the incumbent examines the slides microscopically and accepts or rejects them on the basis of proper staining reaction within the control slides. The incumbent is able to troubleshoot all problems with special staining procedures and implements changes. Prepares all stains and chemical solutions with a competent, practical knowledge of chemistry. Performs complex immunohistochemical stains and procedures including, but not limited to, special pre-treatment procedures, antigen retrieval, enzymatic digestion, Work Schedule: 05:00 - 1:30 Monday through Friday\nCompressed/Flexible: Not Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #: 629-00342-F/629-00343-F Histopathology Technician\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]