A Histopathology Technologist vacancy exist within Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service Line located at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee WI. 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 (Transcripts Required): 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, Completion of a 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, pre-medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, physiology, anatomy. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials, and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. CERTIFICATION: (copy of certification is required) 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 Grade Determination: Histopathology Technologist, GS-9. Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled where you served in a developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: a) Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and interconnectivity. (b) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests. (c) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample. (d) Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments; both individual and team related. (e) Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G65 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09. Physical Requirements: The employee works and functions in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and following practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["Evaluates the suitability of specimens for sectioning and staining, prepares specimens for analysis and ensures that proper conditions are maintained. This includes, but is not limited to, specimen accessioning, gross description dictation, frozen section preparation, routine tissue embedding and cutting, slide preparation and staining. Performs routine, special and immunohistochemical staining, using both manual and automated methods in accordance with standardized protocols. Selects and performs non-routine and specialized test procedures. Recognizes and reacts to indicators or malfunction. Informs Supervisor and/or Lead Tech of problems that arise. Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Operates, verifies and maintains correct instrument operation for all equipment in the histology and cytology laboratory, using established procedures and quality control checks in accordance with College of American Pathologists, Joint Commission and VHA guidelines. Prepares reagent and control materials. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents and products, and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Conveys pertinent information to those professionals of the Anatomic Pathology and Medical Center staff directly responsible for patient care in regard to proper collection methods, transportation of specimens, etc. Communicates effectively and courteously and provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients and others). Evaluates and/or determines the proper technical procedure appropriate in the preparation of specific cytology specimens. Receives specimen and review accompanying requisitions for completeness and accuracy. Accessions specimens, determining adequacy and quality prior to recording the data in the computer. Processes and prepares all cytology specimens for diagnostic procedures while controlling physical conditions and responding to time factors to ensure that they physiological state of the specimen is maintained. This includes the use of centrifuges, cytocentrifuge, Thin Prep processor slide stainer, cell block methods, etc. Utilizes appropriate fixation and staining techniques, including Papanicolaou, Hema-diff stains, etc. and labels slides according to written procedures. Follows quality control procedures to determine accuracy of cytological diagnoses as well as quality and appropriateness of cytology preparatory techniques. Assists with special specimen preparation and collection procedures such as fine needle aspiration and endoscopic brushing. Acknowledges technical limitations and various possibilities for procedural errors in cytopreparation. If errors are identified, takes corrective action. Assures proper storage and maintenance of cytology records including slides and patient reports. Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace. Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's in-service/continuing education program. Maintains knowledge of and complies with the federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm 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"]
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Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
