Histotechnologist

Position Summary / Career Interest:

Histotechnologist are members of the laboratory team who prepare tissue specimens for evaluation by preparing glass stained slides of human tissue for microscopic examination. A Pathologist then uses these complex techniques to establish and confirm a patient diagnosis. The tasks performed by the histotechnologist require patience, mechanical ability and a strong knowledge of the biological sciences. There are five intricate steps which include: 1) Grossing/Fixation, 2) Processing, 3) Embedding, 4)Sectioning and 5) Staining; each an integral part of the histotechnologists' job. Additional duties may include Immunohistochemistry and Digital Imaging.

Responsibilities:

• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• Orient tissue samples during embedding process, performs microtomy, stains tissue samples, and performs manual and automated histochemical stains; may perform Immunohistochemical analysis and digital imaging.
• Maintains, operates, troubleshoots instrumentation issues and completes appropriate documentation. Has the ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, tissue processors, automatic stainers, cryostats and coverslippers.
• Disposes of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials, according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures.
• Has knowledge of specimen requirements for surgical pathology processing and analysis, and understands when to direct questions to the appropriate pathologist or supervisor.
• Must apply critical thinking skills and prioritize work appropriately
• Demonstrates technical competence with LIS, EMR, and PC.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities. Participates in proficiency testing and records results in a timely manner according to laboratory policy.
• Follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards. Adheres to all policies and procedures. Participates in inspection readiness.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of all supplies. Accurately prepares, labels, and stores reagents, controls, and specimens for analysis.
• Completes continuing education and submits appropriate documentation where applicable. Participates in training new employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• HT/HTL ASCP registration (or eligible with the requirement to pass the boards within 6 months of hire)

• High school graduate and completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program OR

  AA degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry and 1 full year of recent experience in histopathology.

• May grandfather into this position with high school education only if working in a Histology Laboratory prior to January 2, 2005.

• Technical/Professional Training/Degree in Histotechnology

Preferred:

• BS degree in biologic science, chemistry, physical science or medical technology.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.