Histopathology Technician (Advanced)

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional
Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System - Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System

Advanced histopathology technicians at the GS-7 level have a higher level of responsibility for technical oversight and are expected to carry out assigned tasks of considerable difficulty independently. The technician will have the responsibility of performing difficult histological histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures as well as developing modifying or adapting new staining methods or techniques improving existing methods as necessary for routine histotechnology procedures. The technician will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with instruments and resolving problems. This position requires practical knowledge of the anatomic pathology laboratory practice in one or both areas (i.e. histopathology and cytology). The position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory Department at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare system serving all Tulsa and Muskogee locations.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• The duties and responsibilities of an Advanced Histopathology Technician include but are not limited to the following:
• Maintains knowledge of and complies with federal regulations associated with the Clinical Lab Improvement Act of 1988.
• Performs a broad range of laboratory procedures including all processing tasks of the histopathology technician occupation involving anatomic pathology i.e. surgical pathology autopsy pathology and addition performs advanced and complex laboratory procedures; recognizes deviation from expected results; analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of biological specimens for diagnostic evaluation taking into account physiologic processes and requirements.
• Maintains and documents the optimal function of laboratory equipment.
• Uses identifies malfunctions repairs and performs preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Diagnoses deviations in test performance due to instrument malfunction. Performs and documents quality control quality assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement as applicable.
• Adheres to practices and regulations governing safety in the laboratory.
• Identifies discrepancies solves problems and presents solutions.
• Evaluates and implements new techniques and procedures in the laboratory in terms of equipment and method comparison using theoretical knowledge. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
• Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students and in the laboratorys in-service/continuing education program.
• Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
• Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers patients and others).
• Gives direction and guidance using underlying histopathology and cytopathology principles.
• Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines. Ensures and maintains accurate patient identification through the chain of custody of the specimen.
• Prepares technically adequate slides of surgical cytology and autopsy specimens by processing embedding tissue cutting staining and cover-slipping.

• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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.

• 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.

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.

Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

• 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 Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Experience and Education
• Experience. One year of experience in a health care field that demonstrates the applicants ability to perform the work or provides an understanding of the work such as but not limited to a medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) or health technician.

• Education(a) Four academic years above high school leading to a bachelors degree with courses related to the occupation such as biological science or chemistry. or(b) Successful completion of two academic years of study above high school that included at least 24 semester hours in Chemistry and/or in appropriate fields of biological science and successful completion of a 12-month program of education and training in histopathology or cytotechnology.

• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Examples are listed below:(a) Six months of experience in the health care field and two years of education above high school that included at least six semester hours in health care related courses such as biological science surgical technician courses or other courses related to the position or an associates degree in a health care related field.(b) Six months of experience in the health care field and successful completion of a course for health care technicians hospital corpsmen medical service specialists or histopathology technicians given by the U.S. Armed Forces.