Histopathology Technician

Salary: $45,568 to $72,462 annually (dependent on education/experience)

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: John Cochran VA Medical Center, St. Louis.

Summary

Incumbent uses independent judgment to perform the full range of duties including analyzing and evaluating laboratory results. Carries out the day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision. This includes routine and complex histopathological and cytopathological procedures, quality control and assurance procedures, operation and routine maintenance of instrumentation, troubleshooting, and principles of performance improvement.

Responsibilities

The histopathology technician typically performs procedures in preparing histologic sections (surgical pathology, autopsy and cell blocks) working independently (with limited supervision of the supervisor or designee as the need arises). These procedures are performed in the manner described by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) as well as the written guidelines of PLMS and as required by The Joint Commission, and other regulatory agencies.

Prepares solutions and reagents used in the Histology Laboratory.

Monitor reagents inventory, knows the amount of reagent needed to keep on hand performing tasks and replenish the supplies as the need arises.

Receiving and correctly accessioning the different histology and cytology specimens accurately into the patients' electronic medical record system.

Prepares samples, slides, smears, or other types of specimens common to the laboratory.

Operates tissue processors and ensure optimal tissue fixation, dehydration and paraffin infiltration.

Paraffin embeds processed tissues.

Performs microtomy and cut various tissue section levels on a variety of specimen types.

Mounts tissue sections on slides avoiding folds, chatter, and floaters on a properly warmed water bath.

Performs a variety of standard routine hematoxylin and Eosin stains as well as special histochemical stains such as: PAS, trichrome, myelin, amyloid, mucin, reticulin, luxol-fast blue, bacterial stains, fungal stains, acid-fast stains.

Provide technical assistance for intra-operative frozen section consultations.

Maintains the staining row and the cryostat in the frozen section room.

Performs minor duties in the morgue as needed.

Follows standard procedures and applies a practical knowledge of the properties of the specimens to ensure an adequate sample for pathologist diagnosis.

Performs manual procedures as required during computer down times.

Prepare samples, slides, smears, or other types of specimens common to the laboratory.

Work with the other team members, pathology assistant, resident and pathologist to gain a better understanding concerning the proper tissue embedding technique and to understand the established protocol for the number of sections required.

Monitors the integrity of laboratory facilities and equipment and the environment for contamination.

Closely monitor instruments and equipment in the Anatomic Pathology

Laboratories for proper functioning and optimal performance.

Perform and record machine maintenance in the preventative maintenance manual.

Calibrate the pH meter.

Receives and assess reagents procured for use in the Anatomic pathology laboratory.

Properly stores reagents received and promptly notifies supervisor if any damage had been done to the shipment.

Maintains laboratory records including inventory of reagents and also records of machine maintenance.

Record manually or electronically all activities and work performed.

Check quality control (QC) of stains and complete the proper QC forms for

Pathologist review.

Performs established quality control procedures to check the accuracy and validity of the test results. Any deviations in quality control results are documented and reported to the supervisor. Prior to further processing for analysis of patients' sample, the incumbent takes action to correct the quality control deviations.

Identifies instrument malfunctions and takes appropriate action to correct them.

Identifies unusual test results or discrepancies/conditions that can cause erroneous results (instrument malfunction, conditions of test performance, reaction systems and/or test procedures). Takes appropriate action to make corrections and solve problems.

Observes all laboratory safety and infection control practices in accordance with the procedures established by national, regional, and facility policies.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

-You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

-Designated and/or random drug testing may be required

-Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

-You may be required to serve a probationary period

-Subject to a background/security investigation

-Must be proficient in written and spoken English

-Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

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: 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the above basic requirements, you must meet the requirements listed below to be considered for the GS-7 grade.

One year of histopathology experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.

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 equipment.

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.

References: VA Handbook 5005/102 Appendix G55, Histopathology Technician

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. It will not be filled at a lower grade, nor is their any promotion potential without further competition.

Physical Requirements: Incumbent will be required to lift and carry loads of up to 15lbs. Use of hands and fingers are required. Near vision and far vision is needed. Glasses are permitted. Hearing is required, hearing aids permitted. Must be able to read typed material. Must be emotionally and mentally stable.

EDUCATION

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

BENEFITS:

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Copy and paste the link beyond into your browser for more information!

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,568.00 - $72,462.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

• Pathology

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Histopathology: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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