Cytotechnologist
Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs
This job in plain English
This is a permanent, full-time Cytotechnologist job at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System in Cleveland, Ohio, part of the Veterans Health Administration. The job prepares cell samples (cytology) so they can be checked under a microscope, and the worker acts as the subject matter expert for cytology procedures. The job is on-site only, with no telework, and has a set weekday day schedule.
Can you apply?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.
- Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.
The job is open to the public, but you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
What you would do
- Evaluate samples and request new ones when a sample cannot be used.
- Prepare reagents and reference materials for testing.
- Perform specialized test steps such as smear and cell block preparation.
- Prepare specimens for diagnosis, including fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples.
- Troubleshoot complex instruments and check results against patient information.
- Serve as the subject matter expert for all cytology procedures and exams.
Do you qualify for GS-11?
With experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 journey level (a fully trained, working level) that is directly related to this job. The job itself is at GS-11, so the announcement asks for experience that matches that step.
With education: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, plus completion of a cytotechnology program accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs). Education from outside the U.S. must be evaluated by an ASCP-approved organization and found equal to U.S. programs.
Licenses and certifications you need:
- Current Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification from the ASCP Board of Certification
How to apply well
What to send:
- Long-form resume or CV
- Professional certification (ASCP) copy
- Transcript
- DD-214 if you claim veterans' preference
- SF-15 with proof if you claim 10-point veterans' preference
- SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee
How you will be rated: You will be rated on how well you meet the qualifications, based on your online questionnaire and documents. Your application and documents will be verified, and missing or unclear information may lead to an ineligible rating or a lower score.
Tips for this job:
- Send a long-form resume or CV that lists your dates of work and your ASCP certification.
- Attach your transcript showing your bachelor's degree and the CAAHEP cytotechnology program.
- Submit the full application package, including documents, by 11:59 PM ET on 11/05/2026.
Good to know before you apply
Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Incentives and relocation: Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this job.
Conditions of employment:
- U.S. citizenship required to apply
- Drug test (urinalysis) before appointment
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- Background and security investigation
- Online onboarding with acceptable identification; non-REAL ID licenses are not accepted
- Pre-employment physical examination
- Seasonal flu vaccination required, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted
- 1 or 2-year trial period
- Must keep required certification; losing it can lead to removal from the job
We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.
Job details
- Salary
- $77,977 – $101,375 per year
- Pay scale and grade
- GS-11 · General Schedule
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Appointment
- Permanent
- Work schedule
- Full-time
- Service
- Excepted
- Openings
- 1
- Security clearance
- Not Required
- Travel
- Not required
- Drug test
- Not required
- Supervisory
- No
- Occupation
- General Health Science (0601)
- Announcement
- CBSR-13085817-27-CL
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