U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Histopathology Technologist
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, 84193
Base pay range
$49,960.00/yr - $79,443.00/yr
Summary The histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. They utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. The technologist acts as a technical resource—troubleshooting specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and using independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available per VA Policy).
English Language Proficiency: spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
Education: One of the following— (1) B.S. or higher in a health science or allied science (e.g., clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre‑medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, anatomy); (2) Baccalaureate degree plus 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry; (3) Two years of graduate education leading to a master’s in a relevant field.
Foreign Education: Must be approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and deemed equivalent to a U.S. program.
Certification: Current histotechnologist (HTL) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification or meeting the competency requirements (e.g., accredited program or one year of full‑time experience).
Basic requirements for employment: Clean citizenship, English proficiency, education and certification as above.
Duties
Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures including processing, preparation, and staining for anatomic pathology (surgical pathology, autopsy pathology).
Apply histochemical stains, immunohistochemical techniques, frozen section preparations, and other specialized testing methods.
Operate and maintain the microtome, instruments, and laboratory equipment; troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.
Evaluate, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to specimen collection, processing, fixation, and staining.
Adhere to safety regulations and maintain procedural quality control, including microscopic examination of tissue preparation.
Document, file, and manage block, slide, and residual tissue records according to retention guidelines.
Assist with autopsy procedures and maintain the autopsy suite as needed.
Train new employees and provide cross‑coverage support in immunohistochemistry, including FISH and GISH.
Communicate effectively with the laboratory team, patients, and medical professionals.
Maintain adequate supplies, record inventory, and order replacements when necessary.
Adapt to schedule changes, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Perform heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs) and heavy carrying (up to 40 lbs).
Perform straight pulling for 1–2 hours and pushing for 1–2 hours.
Reach and use arms above shoulder occasionally; use fingers and both hands.
Walk up to 3 hours, stand up to 1 hour, sit up to 6 hours, and perform repeated bending up to 1 hour.
Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.
Near vision correctable to 13–16 inches; hearing with aid permitted.
Work Schedule Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Government Administration
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Summary The histopathology technologist independently performs a full range of routine and specialized tests. They utilize information technology systems to apply histopathology techniques and broad scientific principles from the fields of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. The technologist acts as a technical resource—troubleshooting specialized lab tests, identifying suboptimal issues, and using independent judgment and resources to resolve concerns.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed when no qualified citizens are available per VA Policy).
English Language Proficiency: spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
Education: One of the following— (1) B.S. or higher in a health science or allied science (e.g., clinical biology, microbiology, physiology, pre‑medical, medical lab technology, chemistry, immunology, anatomy); (2) Baccalaureate degree plus 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry; (3) Two years of graduate education leading to a master’s in a relevant field.
Foreign Education: Must be approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and deemed equivalent to a U.S. program.
Certification: Current histotechnologist (HTL) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification or meeting the competency requirements (e.g., accredited program or one year of full‑time experience).
Basic requirements for employment: Clean citizenship, English proficiency, education and certification as above.
Duties
Perform a broad range of laboratory procedures including processing, preparation, and staining for anatomic pathology (surgical pathology, autopsy pathology).
Apply histochemical stains, immunohistochemical techniques, frozen section preparations, and other specialized testing methods.
Operate and maintain the microtome, instruments, and laboratory equipment; troubleshoot and resolve technical problems.
Evaluate, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to specimen collection, processing, fixation, and staining.
Adhere to safety regulations and maintain procedural quality control, including microscopic examination of tissue preparation.
Document, file, and manage block, slide, and residual tissue records according to retention guidelines.
Assist with autopsy procedures and maintain the autopsy suite as needed.
Train new employees and provide cross‑coverage support in immunohistochemistry, including FISH and GISH.
Communicate effectively with the laboratory team, patients, and medical professionals.
Maintain adequate supplies, record inventory, and order replacements when necessary.
Adapt to schedule changes, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Physical Requirements
Perform heavy lifting (up to 40 lbs) and heavy carrying (up to 40 lbs).
Perform straight pulling for 1–2 hours and pushing for 1–2 hours.
Reach and use arms above shoulder occasionally; use fingers and both hands.
Walk up to 3 hours, stand up to 1 hour, sit up to 6 hours, and perform repeated bending up to 1 hour.
Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously.
Near vision correctable to 13–16 inches; hearing with aid permitted.
Work Schedule Monday–Friday, 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Government Administration
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