Cytotechnologist II

Overview

Job Requirements

Under the supervision of the Pathologists and Cytology Supervisor, performs testing of patient specimen in the Cytology Laboratory, as well as assistance and adequacy assessments for fine needle aspirate procedures. This position requires practical as well as theoretical knowledge of test methodologies which assist Medical Staff in the diagnosis and management of disease and medical disorders. Demonstrates diagnostic accuracy, and performs quality control (QC) and retrospective reviews. Patient contact and specimens from patients may include infant to adult-geriatric.

Key Responsibilities

Microscopic Screening

• Accurately reviews case material, reviews patient history, and documents findings.
• Participates in competency assessments as required.
• Effectively prioritizes workload.
• Documents workload daily.
  
  

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Service

• Assists at FNA by reviewing patient clinical history, completing requisition, preparing and staining slides.
• Keeps supplies stocked and stains rotated on cart or in FNA area.
• Provides microscopic adequacy assessment to physicians and aids the cytopathologist.
• Advises medical staff in appropriate specimen triage and collection procedures, as needed.
  
  

Cytopreparatory Duties (as needed)

• Receives and accessions cytology specimens.
• Processes specimens according to established protocols.
• Stains and prepares slides for microscopic evaluation.
  
  

Performs QC and retrospective reviews.

Solves moderately complex problems independently.

May be involved with teaching or training

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Education and Experience:

Meets one of the following requirements (refer to the Federal Register for additional information):

• Have graduated from a school of cytotechnology accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or other organization approved by HHS; or
• Be certified in cytotechnology by a certifying agency approved by HHS; or
• Before September 1, 1992 -
• Have successfully completed 2 years in an accredited institution with at least 12 semester hours in science, 8 hours of which are in biology; and
• Have had 12 months of training in a school of cytotechnology accredited by an accrediting agency approved by HHS; or
• Have received 6 months of formal training in a school of cytotechnology accredited by an accrediting agency approved by HHS and 6 months of full-time experience in cytotechnology in a laboratory acceptable to the pathologist who directed the formal 6 months of training; or
• Have achieved a satisfactory grade to qualify as a cytotechnologist in a proficiency examination approved by HHS and designed to qualify persons as cytotechnologists; or
• Before September 1, 1994, have full-time experience of at least 2 years or equivalent within the preceding 5 years examining slide preparations under the supervision of a physician qualified under
• 493.1449(b) or (k)(1), and before January 1, 1969, must have
• Graduated from high school;
• Completed 6 months of training in cytotechnology in a laboratory directed by a pathologist or other physician providing cytology services; and
• Completed 2 years of full-time supervised experience in cytotechnology; or
• On or before September 1, 1994, have full-time experience of at least 2 years or equivalent examining cytology slide preparations within the preceding 5 years in the United States under the supervision of a physician qualified under
• 493.1449(b) or (k)(1); and
• On or before September 1, 1995, have met the requirements in either paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.
  
  

Has at least 3 years (2080 hours per year) of full-time experience.

Has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy to perform case quality control (QC) and retrospective reviews.