Posted: 26-Feb-26
Location: Denver, Colorado
Internal Number: R14171
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Department
Laboratory ServicesJob SummaryUsing independent judgement and under minimal supervision, the Cytologist performs complex diagnostic testing while adhering to the policies and procedures of Denver Health. The person in this position must meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments personnel standards for the specialty of Cytopathology. The Cytologist microscopically evaluates and reports negative gynecological specimens. All abnormal gyn (including certain infections), anal paps, non-gyn, and FNA specimens will be documented with Cytologist's impression and given to Pathologist for a final diagnosis. The individual in this position must be capable of cytology specimen accessioning, preparation, and resulting. Assists in ROSE with other departments and staff to assess specimen adequacy on FNAs. Demonstrates triage expertise in sample requirements, specimen collection, and pre-analytical factors that impact sample quality. Responsibilities may include research activities, consumer and patient education, and staff teaching. Cytologist is expected to teach Pathology residents on specimen collection, rapid assessment, and other areas within Cytology. Works with numerous laboratory specimen preparations and possesses a knowledge of laboratory procedures and technologies such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, micro, and molecular diagnostic procedures. Maintains, orders, properly stocks cytology supplies for the lab and FNA carts. Handles day to day bench related problems with little supervision, provides training and mentoring, and is the liaison for the department when the Anatomic Pathology Manager is not available. Maintains all quality control and maintenance records required in the laboratory, resolves problems with test analysis and consults with the supervisors, Administrative Director, or the Director of Services when appropriate and according to established protocol.
Essential Functions:
- Accessions, screens, and interprets Gynecologic and Non-Gynecologic slides with more than 98% accuracy, annually. (15%)
- Completes and correctly signs-out cases not required by CLIA ‘88 to be referred to the pathologist. (15%)
- Prepares and stains all specimen types (gyn, medical cytology, fna) for cytologic examination. (10%)
- Provides skillful technical assistance with Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) procedures, including slide preparation, staining, and microscopic determination of specimen adequacy in a friendly and supportive manner. (10%)
- Performs activities defined by the cytopathology laboratory’s QC/QA program, cyto-surgical correlations, preventative maintenance and evaluation of computer-generated data in a manner sufficient to monitor quality control programs and insure proper laboratory operation. (10%)
- Ensures proper labeling, handling, preservation, processing, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens. (10%)
- Acts as a resource, gives direction and guidance to technical and support personnel. (10%)
- Triages and executes daily work to ensure consistent turnaround times. (10%)
- Assists with writing policies and procedures as delegated. (5%)
- Participates in huddles or meetings and communicate quality activities inside and outside of the laboratory when needed. (5%)
Education:
- Post High School Diploma or Certificate Program Successful completion of an accredited School of Cytology Required or
- Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Science with the science-related pre-requisites. Required
Work Experience:
- 1-3 years Of professional experience in a healthcare setting as a Cytologist, preferred
Licenses:
- CT-Cytologist - ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Must be proficient and efficient when screening, diagnosing, and releasing results for Cytology.
- Familiar with regulatory compliance in QC and competency requirements.
- Ability to mentor and teach technical staff.
- Good communication and customer relation skills to ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
- Ability to perpetuate teamwork.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.
- Experience with Hospital Information System, Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues relative to testing in the area of oversight.
Shift
Work Type
PRN/IntermittentSalary
$36.45 - $56.50 / hrBenefits
Social security replacement retirement plan with employer contribution of 3%
On-site employee fitness center and wellness classes
Community resource navigation support
Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
Education & development opportunities including career pathways and coaching
Our Values
Respect
Belonging
Accountability
Transparency
All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.
Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, a Public Health Institute, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.
As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured. Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a year.
Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.
Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community.
Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.