Histotechnician/Histotechnologist

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Processes specimens for analysis and perform specified laboratory procedures under the supervision of the Anatomic Laboratory Manager and Anatomic Laboratory Assistant Manager. Performs all histology procedures including quality control and instrument maintenance.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Completes cases for pathologists in a timely fashion, following stated guidelines and methodologies.

3. *Stains slides of specimens to enhance visibility under microscope.

4. *Accurately embeds surgical specimens in a timely effective manner with high quality.

5. *Sections surgical paraffin block tissue utilizing a microtome in a timely effective manner with high quality.

6. *Operates, rotates and cleans laboratory equipment (i.e. microtomes, tissue processors, recyclers, H&E stainers, immunohistochemistry stainers, etc.).

7. *Performs stains and quality control on special stains and immunohistochemistry stains.

8. *Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

9. *Studies slides under a microscope to detect deviations of technical and stain quality and report abnormalities for further study to the Anatomic Laboratory Assistant Manager or a pathologist.

10. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

11. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

12. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk “*”. Refer to the Job Description Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient's growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Ability to work independently.

4. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

5. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

7. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

8. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

9. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

10. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

11. Ability to make operational and management decisions in response to changing conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education and training must meet or exceed the CLIA standards for High Complexity Testing equivalent to 60 semester hours from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses or 24 semester hours of science courses that include:

* Six (6) semester hours of chemistry

* Six (6) semester hours of biology

* Twelve (12) additional semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology courses in any combination.

Bachelor degree in Life Sciences preferred, or successful completion of a formally recognized histology technique training program.

One year recent experience in a histology laboratory required.

Member in good standing with the American Society of Clinical Pathology required. Previous work experience in a histology laboratory preferred.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Histotechnologist (HTL) ASCP certified required.

Maintains twelve (12) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually.