Item 2.B-September 13, 2013
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name
OR New/Vacant:
CURRENT POSITION INFORMATION
Pos
Range /
Current Title:
#(s):
Class.:
Department: Pathology and Lab Med Department
JCC
College/Division: Vice President, Health Sciences
/ Univ of NV School of Medicine
Account #(s): 1201-119-1205
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
(X) New position: Proposed Range: See below
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
(X) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Cytotechnologist (Pathology and Lab Medicine)
Senior Cytotechnologist (Pathology and Lab Medicine)
Pos #:
Range:
3
4
JCC:
67434
67435
EEO:
3H
3H
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Sanford Barsky, Chair, Pathology
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean Thomas Schwenk, VP, HS / Dean, UNSOM
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Effective Date:
9/1/2013
Approved Title: See Above
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Cytotechnologist – Line of Progression
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Cytotechnologist positions are located in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
at the University of Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) and are responsible for management of the
Cytology health program for screening women of northern Nevada area for infectious and
communicable diseases of the uterine cervix (GYN), as well as non GYN cytology (Pap smears,
brushings, washings and fine needle aspirates). The position implements and manages the quality
assurance program for procedural and technical operations, ensuring alignment with federal and state
regulations. The Cytotechnologist communicates diagnostic results to ordering physician/health
professional, provides technical consultation and consults with or refers cases to anatomical
pathologist (M.D.). This position is a cytology certified professional and reports to the Chair, Pathology
Department and Laboratory Medicine.
Range 3:
The Cytotechnologist is responsible for the technical examination, analysis, and initial diagnosis and
reporting of human tissue samples in the Pathology Lab. The position monitors performance and
compliance measures in the Lab operations and oversees the proper technical preparation of and
quality control of Pap smears and tests. The position is responsible for reviewing and approving all
final printed screening tests reports for clients and for reporting results to the Pathologists for final
consult with the attending physicians/clinicians. The position educates clinicians in accurate and
consistent testing protocols. The individual must ensure that the Lab complies with applicable Federal
and State regulations pertaining to screening performance, nomenclature for reporting results, and
maintenance of statistics. The position maintains statistics of the laboratory tests for audit by the
Clinical Laboratory Information Association (CLIA). The Cytotechnologist promotes the Pathology
testing programs in the community and develops action plans to improve service to clients. The
position reports to the Senior Cytotechnologist or Chair, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (as
applicable).
Range 4 (In addition to Range 3 above):
The Senior Cytotechnologist manages the Cytology Department and trains and supervises the
Cytotechnologist and other Lab personnel. The position also may assist the Nevada State Health
Laboratory (NSHL) Cytotechnologist and staff if needed. The position reports to the Chair, Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine.
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
Range 3:
60% - Cytology Lab Technical Operations
 Perform the full range of Cytology Lab procedures on human cell samples - pap smear
screening of women for early detection of infectious and communicable diseases of the uterine
cervix, some of which are direct cause of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix
 Examine and analyze cell samples; determine validity of test results; differentiate normal from
abnormal pathology, i.e., presence of abnormal cellular changes and pathogens
 Use clinical history and other patient information in arriving at proper diagnosis for each
specimen and confirm, communicate, and explain findings on normal and some benign
conditions to the ordering physician, report abnormal findings to lab pathologist, or health
professional
Position Description – Cytotechnologist – Line of Progression
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Provide consultation on test results, test selection, methodology, test specificity and other
sample-specific factors to the attending pathologist
Investigate and resolve problems related to collection, processing, and testing of specimens
Oversee the proper technical preparation of, and quality control of, Pap smears and liquid
based Pat tests; assess adequacy of specimens for testing
Assist and train personnel providing primary care to women being screened as to proper
protocol to be followed in submitting optimal diagnostic material
Review and sign all final printed reports to assure that all information has been correctly
transcribed from a worksheet
Review follow-up clinical information and biopsy correlation when available
30% - Operations Management
 Implement and monitor quality assurance control program
 Ensure procedures for sample collection, evaluation, analysis, diagnosis and result reporting
are compliant with all applicable department, State, Federal and other applicable regulations
and standards for performance of screening, nomenclature for reporting results, and
maintenance of statistics
 Participate in development of new techniques, procedures, methods or policies
 Collect, organize and report statistical data related to diagnostic findings for the Clinical
Laboratory Information Association (CLIA) during audits of facility
 Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment; troubleshoot basic problems
 Manage the gradual transition to the latest technology for performing this type of screening
 Develop and document acceptable lab criteria, manuals, reports and protocols
 Maintain microscope in working condition by performing routine daily maintenance; report
irregularities in operations with proper follow through; monitor maintenance of the equipment
10% - Staff Training and Supervision
 Oversee and participate in the external proficiency testing of all testing personnel and maintain
records of such as required by law
 Select, schedule, and supervise work performed by subordinate staff - letter of appointment
temporary personnel
 Maintain statistics on the performance of such personnel as required by law and accrediting
agencies
 Provide instruction in lab protocol, safety measures, procedures
 Ensure cleanliness in the Lab to meet government regulations
 Review daily work performed by subordinates
Range 4 (in addition to above R3):
30% - Cytology Lab Technical Operations
 Same as above
60% - Operations Management
 Plan, direct and evaluate overall operation of lab cytology program
 Research and monitor trends in methodology, equipment, sample procedures, sample
collection
 Develop and implement new technology, procedures, equipment, other efficiencies
10% - Staff Training and Supervision
 Select, train, schedule, and supervise Cytotechnologist and other lab staff in proper protocols
and procedures for screenings
Position Description – Cytotechnologist – Line of Progression
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3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
Range 3:
The Cytotechnologist is required to make highly technical decisions and choices in conducting and
analyzing screening tests and in the referral of clients to the proper cancer physician or pathologist.
The position evaluates the accuracy of abnormalities identified and uses professional judgment in
reaching sound conclusions and recommending the right course of action for the patient. The program
is highly regulated by Federal and State agencies so must meet strict health and medical guidelines
and comply with Federal and state statutes regarding statistical reports and nomenclature of results.
The position trains and supervises staff and clinicians on proper procedures and testing. The position
consults with the supervisor on more technical screening analyses of abnormalities identified in which
there may be a questionable outcome of the test. The supervisor ensures State and Federal
guidelines are being followed.
Range 4 (in addition R3 above):
The Senior Cytotechnologist supervises the work of the Cytotechnologist and must ensure staff is
properly trained and following procedures as federally regulated.
Impact:
Range 3:
Decisions made impact the level of success of the screening program and its implementation
throughout Northern Nevada. Inadequate performance would have a detrimental effect on the
success of the program, the department, and UNSOM’s reputation in Nevada. An inadequate
performance may result in contractual obligation failures and client dissatisfaction resulting in loss of
future funding. An incorrect diagnosis and/or unsatisfactory training of staff could cause irreparable
damage to the health of patients and bring issues of liability to the UNSOM and University.
Range 4 (in addition R3 above):
If staff and clinicians are not trained and monitored properly and correctly, the unsatisfactory
performance could cause irreparable damage to the health of patients and bring issues of liability to
UNSOM and the University.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
Range 3:
 State and federal laws pertaining to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988
(CLIA), Bethesda consensus standardized nomenclature for reporting of results required by
CLIA and the College of American Pathologies (CAP), and other related regulations
 Women’s health and gynecological screening and testing programs
 Scientific principles of cytologic evaluation as well as the technical, procedural, and problemsolving aspects; statistical methods and business and economic data
 State and Federal employment laws and regulations - Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) and physician-patient relationships
Position Description – Cytotechnologist – Line of Progression
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Pathology and diagnostic research, factors which affect health and disease, and importance of
proper test selection and numerous causes of discrepant test results, deviations of test results,
and ethics including result confidentiality
Lab safety regulations
Range 4 (in addition R3 above):
 Personnel management to include training and evaluation of laboratory staff
Skills:
Range 3:
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email) and specifically
in data collection programs
 Monitoring and training of laboratory staff
 Strong interpersonal and human relations skills
 Analysis, interpretation, and expertise in pathological screening testing
 Excellent verbal and written communication in order to provide administrative and technical
consulting services on laboratory testing
Range 4 (in addition R3 above):
 Supervision and training of laboratory staff and community clinicians
Ability to:
Range 3:
 Differentiate and resolve technical, instrument, physiologic causes of problems or unexpected
findings
 Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
 Understand and interpret formalized policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations
 Research, gather, and compile data for reports
 Be sensitive to gender, disabilities, and cultural and ethnic diversity issues
 Show tact and diplomacy in sensitive situations
 Stay current in discipline by seeking out and learning new information pertinent to performance
of duties
 Develop and implement plans to correct and prevent problems
Range 4 (in addition R3 above):
 Incorporate principles of educational methodology in the instruction of laboratory personnel,
other health care professionals, and clients
 Provide relevant input to the policy development process
 Develop major policies and administrative procedures for a pathology lab
 Evaluate new techniques and procedures in the laboratory
 Represent the specialty to the health care community and consumers
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
Range 3:
Department and Lab staff (Staff
Research Associates)
NSHL Staff / Cytotechnologist
Reason for Contact
To train and monitor work and ensure compliance with Federal
and State regulations on screening and testing
To assist when necessary in time of absences
Position Description – Cytotechnologist – Line of Progression
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Range 4 (plus R3 above):
Same as above
External
Range 3:
Federal and State agencies,
auditors, inspectors and
regulators
Patients
Clinicians, Physicians,
Pathologists, Health Care
providers
Range 4 (plus R3 above):
Vendors for lab equipment
Reason for Contact
To coordinate and ensure corrective action reports are completed
To provide a health program of screening for infectious and
communicable diseases of the uterine cervix and provide
outcomes and assistance in resolving problems of abnormalities
found
To discuss abnormalities, obtain additional interpretive information
and give advice on recommended medical follow-up within
parameters set by Laboratory Director
To research latest technology and ensure maintenance of
machines
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Range 3 or 4:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis or major in
sciences
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Range 3:
Bachelor’s Degree and four years, or Master’s and two years, of experience in a
clinical laboratory setting to include performing laboratory testing and productivity
monitoring and one year of cytology technology training
Range 4:
Bachelor’s Degree and five years, or Master’s and three years, of experience in a
clinical laboratory setting to include performing laboratory testing and productivity
monitoring, lab staff supervision, and cytology technology training from an
Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAHEA) accredited school
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Range 3:
State of Nevada licensure as a Licensed Cytotechnologist or ability to obtain one within
specified time period
Range 4 (plus R3 above):
Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) (for Cytology
Supervisors)