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USAJOBS · 22 hours ago

Cytotechnologist

Houston, Texas, USA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$86K/yr - $112K/yr

1+ years exp

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing healthcare services. The Cytotechnologist will examine and evaluate cell samples for various conditions, maintain laboratory equipment, and teach residents and students about cytology techniques.

ConsultingGovernmentHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologyInternetStaffing Agency

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Examines and evaluates the cell sample for the presence or absence of normal/abnormal cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, benign changes, premalignant conditions, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents

Compares the microscopic findings with recognized cytomorphic criteria

Evaluates the clinical data of the patient and relate this to the microscopic findings

Makes primary cytodiagnosis

Gives Cytology reports and instructions for specimen collection techniques to nursing units and physicians

Receives samples, determining adequacy and quality of specimen prior to recording data in VistA Log-in, Anatomic Pathology computer program

Maintains and prepares all Cytology solutions, reagents, and stains

Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots all the equipment in the Cytology Lab

Maintains all Cytology records to include slide files, report files and teaching files

Teaches Physician Residents and Students the principles and techniques of Cytology

Participates in the presentation of papers and microscopy workshops at professional meetings of Cytotechnologists and Physicians

Evaluates and selects reagents, supplies, and equipment; establishes and maintains inventory controls

Prepares AMIS reports for workload recording units of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and other statistics as required by the department

Establishes priorities in specimen processing according to established guidelines and clinical considerations

Provides information requested from physicians, nurses, ward clerks, etc. regarding the function and operation of the Laboratory Service as it relates to patient care

The incumbent exercises all required safety guidelines and works with great care in handling the specimens and uses personal protective equipment including face shields, masks, gloves, and laboratory coats according to established guidelines

Observes safety regulations, maintains a clean and neat work area

Maintains current certification in the field of Cytology

Processes and prepares all specimen for cytodiagnostic procedures. This includes the use of centrifuge, cytocentrifuge and filtration methods; preparation and fixation of slides; staining of slides to include, but not limited to, Papanicolaou's monitoring. Labeling of slides according to professional quality control methods

Attends Fine Needle Aspiration procedures and assists the physician in preparing the sample

Evaluates, modifies, validates or implements new methods, procedures and/or equipment

Revises standard techniques to improve or expand on Cytology testing procedures

Aids in defining and implementing procedures in identification, collection, preservation, and staining of specimen through experience, study and experimentation

Investigates and resolves problems related to Cytology

Assists in the preparation for CAP and other governing agencies' inspections

Qualification

Cytotechnologist certificationCytotechnology program completionSpecimen adequacy determinationLaboratory quality managementData analysis for quality assuranceEnglish proficiencyCommunication skills

Required

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

All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA

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

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Subject to background/security investigation

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements

Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Complete all application requirements detailed in the 'Required Documents' section of this announcement

United States Citizenship: Citizen of the United States (U.S.)

English Language Proficiency: Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English

Education: Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program

Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification

Experience: The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-9) that is directly related to the position to be filled

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the KSAs i. - iv. and the advanced KSA as identified by the corresponding asterisk(s): Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures

Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed

Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives

Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment