Cytotechnologist

The Bay Pines VA Medical Center is a general medical and surgical facility classified as a Level 1A complexity institution. It is a teaching hospital that provides a full range of patient care services supported by state-of-the-art technology. The Cytotechnologist is a certified laboratory professional who performs highly complex diagnostic testing on human specimens for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease within the specialty of cytopathology.

As a Cytotechnologist, work involves the prevention and detection of disease within the laboratory specialty of cytopathology. Cytotechnologists are solely responsible for reporting the microscopic interpretation of normal Pap smear tests used to detect cervical cancer; providing preliminary interpretation of specimens from other body sites; and collaborating with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions, and malignant diseases. Cytotechnologist duties consist of but are not limited to the following: Performs and monitors processes such as smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining. Determines specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures. Troubleshoot and take corrective action with smear preparation, slide fixation, cell block preparation, monolayer filtration processing, and staining that show discrepancies. Monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed. 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. Issue and verify the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. Prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as filtration methods, preparation, fixation, and staining of slides. Ensure compliance with the standards of regulatory agencies, such as The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CUA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Research, test, validate, and implement new procedures and equipment. Write and establish new processes or procedures. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position: Not applicable. Functional Statement #: 21978F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be eligible for highly qualified candidates. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.