Histopathology Technologist - Anatomic Pathology

About the role

The histopathology technologist works at the Salt Lake City VA Health Care System (SLC VAHCS) and community care clinics within the Pathology & Laboratory Medical Service (P&LMS). They independently perform a wide range of routine and specialized tests, utilizing information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Responsibilities

• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing from wet tissue to slide preparation involving anatomic pathology, i.e., surgical pathology, and autopsy pathology.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation considering physiological processes and requirements.
• Identifies the need for and performs fixation techniques that are non-routine such as lymph node preparations and bone decalcification.
• Performs frozen section preparations.
• Assists with the collection and processing of kidney biopsies.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory.
• Operates the microtome to achieve tissue sections of the thickness required for variety of tissue types and test methods.
• Performs routine and special histochemical stains as requested by the pathologist.
• Performs cross coverage duties in immunohistochemistry and assists with specialized testing procedures including FISH and CISH, as needed.
• Operates and performs routine maintenance of instruments, troubleshoots, and resolves problems. Performs quality control and assurance procedures and troubleshoots quality control problems including examining slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
• Fills blocks, slides, and residual tissue and maintain them in accordance with record retention guidelines.
• Packages, appropriate records, and distributes a variety of send-out requests in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratory's internship/continuing education program.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
• Maintains an adequate stock of supplies in the various areas of the laboratory and indicates when supplies are low.

Requirements

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens. Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Qualifications

• Education: 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, 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.
• Certification: Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Exception for Non-Board Certified: Non-board-certified candidates designated by ASCP as "board eligible," who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, may be given a temporary appointment. The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a histopathology technologist working under the direct oversight of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience.
• Experience: Must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled. Assignment for the GS-7 level: At this level, histopathology technologists serve in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 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 inter-connectivity; (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.