The Cytotechnologist 1 prepares, screens, and evaluates gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens to identify cellular abnormalities, infections, inflammatory processes, and malignancies. This role performs cytology testing and specimen support functions in accordance with established laboratory procedures, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. The Cytotechnologist I collaborates with pathologists and procedural teams to support accurate and timely diagnostic information.
This position supports cytology workflow, documentation, slide retention, and quality activities within the laboratory.
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in a biological, chemical, clinical, or medical laboratory science field, or equivalent. Successful completion of a Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) approved Cytology Training Program. Montana licensure (Cytotechnologist).
Current Cytotechnologist certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent. Preferred: One (1) year of experience in gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology. Experience assisting with fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures and rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE).
Experience with laboratory information systems and digital cytology imaging. Experience with molecular cytology techniques. Essential Job Functions: In addition to the essential functions of the job listed below, employees must maintain timely completion of all required education, trainings, and certifications as assigned and in accordance with Bozeman Health policies, department-specific requirements, applicable certification program and registry requirements, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Screens and evaluates gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens in accordance with established laboratory procedures, workload standards, and reporting guidelines. Prepares, stains, mounts, and processes cytology specimens to support accurate microscopic evaluation and downstream testing. Assesses cellular adequacy during specimen collection procedures, performs rapid staining when indicated, and notifies the pathologist when slides are ready for review.
Assists with specimen collection and adequacy assessment in procedural areas such as Interventional Radiology, Endoscopy, and the Operating Room. Documents specimen, screening, and workload information and maintains required logs and records for regulatory compliance. Performs cytology support functions, including accessioning, specimen processing, slide filing, and slide retention in accordance with departmental procedures.
Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities, including cytology-histology correlation and data collection. Maintains equipment, supplies, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition and reports issues promptly. Communicates significant findings, urgent results, specimen issues, or workflow concerns to the pathologist or appropriate team members.
Maintains current knowledge, licensure, certification, and competency through continuing education and required training. Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrates sound judgment, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity, and maintains confidentiality. Performs essential job functions successfully in a busy and stressful environment. Learns current and new computer applications and office equipment utilized at Bozeman Health.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Analyzes, organizes, and prioritizes work while meeting multiple deadlines. Demonstrate the Bozeman Health SPIRIT values of: Service, People, Integrity, Respect, Improvement, and Teamwork.
Schedule
This role requires regular and sustained attendance. The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts. On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.
Physical
Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people. Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain. Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination. Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms. Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability. Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward. Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials. Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow. Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues.
Radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed. Various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings. Job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances.
Infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses. Emotionally challenging situations, such as dealing with distressed patients or difficult family interactions. * Frequency Key: Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%). The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job classification.
They are not to be construed as a contract of any type nor an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by individuals so classified.