Qualifications

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.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• 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
• (1) Candidates must currently possess the histotechnologist (HTL) certification given by 3 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
• English Language Proficiency
• Histopathology Technologists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• 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: Lead Histopathology Technologist, GS-11 (1) Education and Experience
• Must meet one of the following: (a) One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level, which is directly related to the position to be filled
• or (b) Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education that included a clinical practicum
• or (c) A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in histopathology technology, or a directly related field that included a clinical practicum
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the instrumentation necessary to prepare specimens for diagnosis
• (b) Knowledge of histopathology techniques, chemistry, anatomy and physiology principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to process specimens and perform a full range of routine and specialized tests
• (c) Skill in applying professional, complex anatomic pathology principles, practices, concepts, and theories in performing new or difficult specialized testing methods or techniques
• (d) Ability to identify and test suboptimal specimens and take corrective action to minimize or eliminate the impact on patient's sample
• (e) Ability to monitor and make work assignments, balance workload, and ensure duties are completed in an accurate and timely manner
• This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• The incumbent must be able to perform moderate lifting of 15-50 pounds, straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, and use of both arms and legs
• Specific visual requirements include vision for both eyes, depth perception, the ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, and the ability to read ordinary type without strain
• The incumbent must have adequate hearing (aids permitted), and the emotional stability and mental stability to deal with stressful situations
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.