Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job 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, 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
• 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 Determinations: Experience at the GS-7 level: None beyond the basic requirements
• Assignments: Histopathology technologists serve in developmental positions practicing under close supervision of a supervisor, lab manager, or qualified individual who can verify technical experience
• Experience at the GS-9 full performance level: You must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled
• Assignments: 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
• The histopathology technologist ensures goals are met by prioritizing work, as necessary, in times of short staffing, or heavy workload, and by performing simultaneous tasks
• 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
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSA's: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs
• GS-7 KSAs: None beyond the basic requirements GS-9 KSAs: In addition to the experience or education above, You must have demonstrated all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of laboratory information technology systems and inter-connectivity
• Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens, and the ability to perform a full range of routine specialized tests
• Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate impact on a patient's sample
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and prioritize simultaneous work assignments
• both individual and team related
• Skill in applying professional, anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques
• Preferred Experience: Completion of a Histopathology training program
• Five years experience as a Histopathology Technologist or Technician
• Familiar with day-to-day workflow of Anatomic Pathology 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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds Light carrying, under 15 pounds Reaching above shoulder Use of fingers Both hands required Walking (2 hours) Depth perception Ability to distinguish shades of colors Hearing (aid may be permitted)