Advance Your Medical Career: Cytotechnologist Opportunity with the VA
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) represents the pinnacle of mission-driven healthcare. We are looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join our team in Kings, New York. If you are passionate about diagnostic precision and providing world-class care to our nation’s Veterans, this role offers a unique opportunity to grow your clinical expertise while contributing to a vital public service mission.
Job Responsibilities
As a Cytotechnologist at the VA, you will play a central role in patient outcomes. You will be responsible for:
- Performing microscopic interpretations of Pap smears and other body site specimens.
- Collaborating with pathologists on complex cases involving malignancies and infectious diseases.
- Processing, staining, and evaluating slides to ensure high-quality morphology.
- Supporting fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures and determining specimen adequacy.
- Mentoring students, residents, and histopathology technicians.
- Maintaining stringent quality assurance and control programs.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the best care, we require candidates to meet specific professional standards:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree and completion of an accredited cytotechnology program.
- Certification: Must hold current CT or SCT (ASCP) certification.
- Experience: Demonstrated ability to perform complex analytical and diagnostic tasks.
Salary Overview
This position is graded at the GS-11 level. The current annual salary range is provided below for transparency.
| Position Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Cytotechnologist (GS-11) | $96,809 - $125,858 |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive compensation package, including:
- Generous health insurance plans.
- Defined benefit retirement and investment options (401k-style TSP).
- Comprehensive leave and holiday packages.
- Stability and long-term career growth potential within the federal system.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Use your resume to describe your experience in detail, emphasizing the complexity of the cases you have handled.
- Volunteer Counts: Don't overlook the impact of volunteer work or clinical rotations—these build valuable skills that the VA recognizes.
- Stay Alert: Ensure your certification documents are readily available and up-to-date.
Serving as a Cytotechnologist with the VHA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the health and well-being of those who have sacrificed for our country. If you meet these qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application and become part of our elite laboratory team in Kings, New York.
Why This Cytotechnologist Job Matters
Elevate your career in pathology at the New York Harbor Healthcare System—where your expertise directly impacts the lives of those who served our nation.
Cytotechnologist Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated and skilled Cytotechnologist to join the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service in Kings, New York. In this pivotal role, you will perform high-complexity diagnostic testing, providing critical microscopic interpretations that guide the treatment and prevention of disease for our Veteran population. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, ensuring the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy through advanced cytopathology techniques.
Requirements for Cytotechnologist
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available per VA policy).
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited cytotechnology program.
- Current certification as a Cytotechnologist (CT) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) by the ASCP Board of Certification.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Subject to background and security investigation.
- Requirement to obtain and maintain seasonal influenza vaccination.
Preferred Qualifications for Cytotechnologist
- At least 2 years of professional experience as a Cytotechnologist.
- Demonstrated ability to independently interpret specimens from complex procedures including EUS and EBUS.
- Experience with laboratory quality management and data-driven quality improvement initiatives.
- Strong background in teaching or mentoring medical residents and students.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary structure
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- âś“Robust retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- âś“Access to the VA's extensive health care mission and supportive workplace culture
đź’ˇ How to Apply Cytotechnologist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Cytotechnologist Job
- Prepare your long-form resume or CV, ensuring all relevant experience is clearly documented.
- Gather supporting documents, including transcripts, professional certifications, and, if applicable, military service records (DD-214) or veteran preference documentation.
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all required documentation as specified in the announcement.
- Review your application package for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be explicit: Do not expect hiring managers to infer skills not clearly described in your resume.
- Detail your volunteer and unpaid experience; it counts toward your professional competencies.
- Check your status frequently through your USAJOBS portal.
- Ensure your foreign education transcripts include a formal Certificate of Foreign Equivalency if required.
- Double-check that your professional certification information is current and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
No, this is an onsite position within the laboratory/clinical setting and is not eligible for telework.
What happens if my ASCP certification expires?
Maintenance of your CT or SCT (ASCP) certification is a mandatory requirement. Failure to maintain this credential will result in removal from the position and potentially the termination of employment.
Are there recruitment incentives for this position?
No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work schedule?
The shift is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Can I apply without a U.S. citizenship?
Non-citizens may only be considered if the VA is unable to recruit qualified U.S. citizens.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served in our military and their families. At the New York Harbor Healthcare System, our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service is the backbone of our diagnostic capability. We pride ourselves on a culture of excellence, professional development, and unwavering support for our staff and the Veterans we serve.