Cytotechnologist III

Sign-On/Retention incentives: up to $8000*

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Cytotechnologists participate in a broad range of basic and complex cases encountered at the largest tertiary academic medical center in New Hampshire. The cytology laboratory supports an active FNA ROSE service using telecytology technology for procedures in OR, Endoscopy, CT, IR, and clinics. Cytotechnologists assist with teaching medical students, pathology residents, and cytopathology fellows.

The cytology section works closely with the world-renowned Dartmouth Laboratory for Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technology (CGAT) and has major funded research programs in informatics, including deep learning, related to cytology. Cytotechnologists collect specimens for research studies organized through the Norris Cotton Cancer Institute.

At the direction of the Cytology Supervisor and the Cytology Medical Director, the Cytotechnologist III will analyze and interpret cellular changes caused by disease processes. Prepare samples for microscopic examination by processing and staining clinical gynecological and non-gynecological specimens. Perform thorough microscopic examination of the slides to detect and interpret cellular changes, document initial findings, and route to the cytopathologist for final diagnosis when necessary. Assist clinician colleagues with slide preparation during fine needle aspiration procedures and perform on-site adequacy assessments as needed. Participate and assist in research and development activities. Mentor and teach all aspects of cytology to residents, medical students, fellows, and new cytotechnologists. Actively participate in compliance and quality management activities on a daily basis. Perform other duties as required or assigned.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. FNA ROSE experience required; telecytology experience preferred.
2. Ability to perform mentally demanding tasks and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
3. Proficiency with computer entry/retrieval of lab results.
4. In-depth knowledge of all body site anatomy, histology, and benign and abnormal cytology.
5. Ability to utilize independent judgment and provide patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate microscopic evaluation of cases.
6. Experience performing a 10% quality control review of negative Pap tests.
7. Position requires knowledge of various complex laboratory techniques and procedures.

We also offer a $8000 sign-on/retention bonus for this position. *The bonus is available for external hires only, and certain conditions apply.

More information about our benefits can be found here: DHMC and Clinics Employee Benefits

1. Perform cytologic analyses
2. Review and assure correct specimen identification and fixation.
3. Operate cytology processing and screening instrumentation according to established protocols.
4. Microscopically evaluate and diagnose cytologic material and correlate cytologic findings with pertinent clinical and statistical data.
5. Review cases as requested by the Pathologist or when significant discrepancies in interpretation exist.
6. Provide technical advice and coverage to the preparation and processing area during times of short staffing.
7. Maintain productivity standards as defined by the Cytology Medical Director and the Cytology Supervisor.
8. If qualified per CLIA’88, participate in 10% rescreening of normal GYN cytologies for quality assurance purposes.
9. Daily review of specimens and specimen staining quality for gyn and non-gyn specimens.
10. Document diagnostic results, normal and abnormal, for patient records. Correlate cytology and pertinent pathology reports. Maintain statistical records on all work performed, including the number of slides and hours spent screening in a 24-hour period.
11. Cover FNA service
12. Prepare and stain specimens.
13. Determine specimen adequacy as needed.
14. Triage specimen for expected molecular testing, flow cytometry, and soft tissue protocol based on morphology and preliminary assessment.
15. Quality /Accountability
16. Participate in improving the quality of the work of the lab using the quality improvement process.
17. Participate in activities and protocols for research initiatives as the Cytology Medical Director approves.
18. Participate in section teaching and training activities as requested by the Cytology Medical Director and Cytology Supervisor
19. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including CAP, CLIA, and JCAHO.
20. Take an active role as a contributor in process improvement initiatives in the department.
21. Act as a reviewer in Policy Tech for policies, procedures, and guidelines within the department.
22. Demonstrate the capability of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and must either be able to correct the problem immediately or notify the technical supervisor with potential solutions to the problem.
23. Mentor and train new prep techs during onboarding.
24. Judgment/Initiative
25. Identify problems and work with the Cytology Supervisor to make appropriate decisions for resolution.
26. Provide technical input. Be familiar with available resources and use them appropriately.
27. Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills to address laboratory and departmental needs.
28. Be available for questions about and troubleshooting specimens.
29. Troubleshoot equipment in prep and follow up with the manufacturer's technical support if applicable.
30. Assist in training new personnel, reviewing work, and answering support staff questions.
31. Organizational Skills/Time Utilization
32. Utilize and follow procedures and processes currently in place.
33. Consistently maintain an appropriate level of productivity.
34. Follow through on tasks to completion and on schedule.
35. Assist in maintaining department workflow, turnaround time, and compliance, adjusting tasks as necessary.
36. Dependability/Flexibility
37. Produce accurate work under pressure while handling changing volumes of work and tight deadlines.
38. Request help as necessary and assist others when appropriate and/or necessary.
39. Demonstrate consistent attendance.
40. Attend assigned meetings as scheduled.
41. Demonstrate flexibility with the schedule to handle emergent needs effectively.
42. Professional Behavior/Conflict Resolution

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university required, unless prior to Sept. 1992 with two years at an accredited institution.
• Successful completion of a 12-month CAAHEP accredited Cytotechnology program is required.
• 2 years of experience.

Required Licensure/Certifications

Dartmouth Health offers a total compensation package that includes a comprehensive selection of benefits. Our Core Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, short and long term disability, paid time off, and retirement plans. Click here for information on these benefits and more: Benefits | DHMC and Clinics Careers

Dartmouth Health is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.