Histopathology Technologist

Summary

The Histopathology Technologist serves as a specialized technologist in the Anatomic Pathology(AP) section of the John

D. Dingell VAMC
- Detroit - MI. The Histopathology Technologist independently performs a wide scope of routine and specialized tests. In addition to an in-depth working knowledge of histotechnology and cytotechnology procedures - the position requires a progressive knowledge of information technology systems - including knowledge of computer-based anatomic pathology equipment.

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.

• 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:
  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 - 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 - 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 - pre-medical - medical lab technology - chemistry - immunology - physiology - anatomy
• Certification:
  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
• 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 Determinations:
  Histopathology Technologist GS-9 ( Full Performance Level) Experience
• Must have One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - which is directly related to the position to be filled
• This experience may include but is not limited to
• work in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor - lab manager - or qualified individual who can verify technical experience Demonstrated Knowledge
  - Skills and Abilities
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  1.Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and…