Summary

The 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. Acts as a technical resource - troubleshooting a variety of specialized lab tests - identifying suboptimal issues - and uses independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.

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
• 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
• Certification- (1) 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
• 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 under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B)
• 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
• This exception only applies at the entry level
• For grade levels at or above the full performance level - the candidate must have HTL certification
• Temporary appointments of non-board-certified histopathology technologists may not be extended beyond 2 years or be converted to a new temporary appointment
• 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)
• GRADE REQUIREMENTS
• In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed above - the following experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates
• Histopathology Technologist - GS-7 Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignment
• 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
• Histopathology Technologist - GS-9 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- At the full performance level - the histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests
• 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
• 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-09
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS-9 Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction
• This position involves Heavy Lifting (up to 40 lbs)
• Heavy Carrying (up to 40 lbs.)
• Straight Pulling (1-2 hours)
• Pushing (1-2 hours)
• Reaching above shoulder (occasional)
• Use of fingers
• Both hands required
• Walking (up to 3 hours)
• Standing (1 hours)
• Repeated bending (up to 1 hour)
• Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously
• Sitting (up to 6 hours)
• Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"
• Hearing (aid permitted).

Duties

• This assignment requires specialized training and experience
• Employees must have advanced knowledge of specialized and complex subject matter extending beyond the duties of test performance
• The histopathology technologist uses professional skills in applying anatomic pathology principles - practices - concepts - and theories to perform new or difficult specialized testing methods - such as immunohistochemical - histochemical - and frozen section techniques
• 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 physiologic processes and requirements
• Identifies the need for and perform 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
• Trains and performs cross coverage duties in the lmmunohistochemistry laboratory including fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and chromogenic in-situ hybridization (GISH) as well as FISH analysis when needed
• Operates and performs routine maintenance of instruments - troubleshoots - and resolves problems
• Performs quality control and assurance procedures well as troubleshoot quality control problems including examining slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements
• File blocks - slides - and residual tissue and maintains them in accordance with record retention guidelines
• Packages - appropriately records - and distributes a variety send out request 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
• Assists in autopsy procedures and the maintenance of the autopsy suite - as needed
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 6am-2:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 59660-2 GS-9 57122-A GS-7 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized