Histopathology Technologist (Advanced)

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.

01Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English language proficiency: Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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.

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.

02Certification

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: (a) Successful completion of a histotechnician or histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).

OR, (b) 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. 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).

03Grade 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. Assignment.

For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of specialized tests, applying histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Must be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation utilized while preparing specimens for diagnosis; perform advanced procedures and analysis of tissue samples; and guide staff in the preparation of the most difficult specimens. 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 histopatholgy 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, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate KSAs: (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.

04Preferred Experience

3+ years experience in grossing examination, dictation, and sampling/sectioning all types of surgical specimens for microscopic examination. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

05Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

The position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Orlando VA Medical Center, under the Pathology and Laboratory Service. The purpose of this position is to perform highly specialized tasks which require special knowledge as well as being the point of contact or technical expert and advisor to laboratory and professional medical staff in the specialty of histopathology and Immunohistochemistry.

As the Histopathology Technologist (Advanced), occupies a staff position in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and performs complex laboratory functions and performs a full range of specialized testing. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs.

Histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. They utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology. The histopathology technologist acts as a technical resource, troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.

The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks. In addition to histochemical and immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing, the technologist is responsible for advanced testing including, but not limited to, fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (GISH), and gross dissection, as dictated by the lab's needs.

The advanced histopathology technologist acts as the section Safety Coordinator and oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. Duties include, but are not limited to: 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.

The incumbent's thorough understanding of the gross appearance of normal and pathologic processes in a wide variety of patient samples allows him/her to comfortably adapt traditional and advanced methods to handle new or unique cases containing unknown abnormalities. The accuracy of the services rendered is expected to be high, given the incumbent's extensive training and expertise.

The incumbent has advanced knowledge of testing techniques and advanced problem-solving capabilities and acts as a resource for other technologists. Ensures compliance with rules and regulations of assorted regulatory agencies such as VHA National Enforcement Office (NEO), OIG, FDA, CAP, TJC, AABB, EPA, and OSHA. Complies with all safety requirements as outlined by VHA, facility, local, state, and federal regulations.

Assist in the investigation, corrective actions, and record/document retention of FDA Manufacturer instruments/reagents' recall. 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 quality control records; performs all the preliminary reviews of all QC, maintenance, and corrective action logs before submitting to Supervisor for monthly review and signature.

Reports any discrepancies to the Supervisor/ Director or designee. Oversees safe handling of specimens, chemicals, and equipment by all staff and ensures adherence to safety regulations. Directs and/or appropriately dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with hazardous waste policies. Receiving and accessioning samples, including verification of patient identifiers, tissue site/laterality and ensuring that required information is provided.

Independently evaluating the acceptability of submitted material and, acting for the Chief, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service, returns unacceptable specimens with an explanation to the contributor. Packaging blocks and slides to be sent for consultations or quality reviews. Assist the Pathologist Physician(s) in the preparation of the Autopsy Provisional Anatomic Diagnosis (PAD) report(s). Follow-up Pathologist completion of Autopsy Quality Assurance Form and file documentation as appropriate.

Perform other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm with extended hours based on service needs. May rotate weekends/Holidays based on service needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 81833F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized