Cytotechnologist

Summary This position is located in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service within the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville - AR. Qualifications 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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. Foreign Graduates: 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: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist - GS-7: none beyond the basic requirements; Cytotechnologist - GS-9: Experience. Experience: The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-7) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to review clinical data of patients and evaluate all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro‑organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre‑malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Ability to make a preliminary cytodiagnosis to issue and verify the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. Knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing—including filtration, preparation, fixation, and staining of slides. Ability to instruct others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens and to determine acceptability of patient samples for processing. Knowledge of the standards of regulatory agencies—such as Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)—to ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines. Ability to perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures. Skill in prioritizing workflow/specimen triage; Preferred experience: Strong knowledge of cellular morphology, diagnostic criteria, and standardized testing methods. Hands‑on experience preparing and evaluating gynecologic and non‑gynecologic specimens—applying special stains—and accurately identifying precancerous, cancerous, and infectious cellular changes. Independence: Ability to work independently, manage workflow in a cytology section, and maintain high‑quality laboratory practices. References: VA Handbook 5005/126 - Part II Appendix G61 - Cytotechnologist Qualification Standard (informational). Physical Requirements: May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing. Work Environment: Office/clinic setting with normal safety precautions; requires ability to handle several tasks simultaneously in sometimes stressful situations. Duties Patient Slide Review and Result Reporting (25%): Distinguish benign conditions from dysplasia/neoplasia; identify infectious agents; examine a variety of specimens including respiratory, gastrointestinal, urological, body fluids, gynecologic smears, cerebrospinal fluid, and fine‑needle aspirations. Microscopic Examination: Perform microscopic examination for abnormal cells or objects of diagnostic significance and mark these for review; classify abnormalities according to established procedures and write a screening cytology report to the responsible pathologist. Signs out gynecological cases without pathologist review per VHA Handbook. Statistical, Training, and Educational Duties (30%): Maintain continuing education requirements; review current publications; maintain CAP certification by completing the CAP PAP Examination annually; order supplies and maintain adequate inventory; develop and test quality control methods; advise providers on specimen collection; communicate with providers when specimens are improperly submitted; maintain slide files; manage cytology chemical inventory. Specimen Preparation and Staining (25%): Select, perform, evaluate, and monitor full range of non‑routine and specialized procedures/techniques under established protocols; manage equipment; resolve discrepancies; communicate with providers; prepare and analyze samples such as PAP smears, body fluids, and fine‑needle aspirations; perform specimen preparation and staining; clean and disinfect cytology areas and equipment. Gross Tissue Exam Duties (20%): Perform histopathology duties—accessioning, filing slides or general assistance; report tissue description in patient medical record; maintain effective laboratory operations adhering to specimen collection, preparation, and safety standards. Work Schedule: Monday‑Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; regular clinical area shifts; may work off‑hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed. Additional Information Telework: not available; Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01684‑F and 01685‑F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs