Histologist - HT

JOB SUMMARY

The Histology Technician/Technologist assists in the processing of specimen samples for pathology examinations. Histology Technicians work under the supervision of the AP Laboratory leadership and/or Medical Director or a pathologist.

 Avero Diagnostics operates on a 24/7/365 basis; individuals may be required to work various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. It is required to have schedule flexibility with and without advanced notice.

 ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Performs routine and special procedures as authorized by the department supervisor. 
• Organize specimen samples for processing and testing to ensure proper patient specimen identification, including labeling of all cassettes, slides, and other containers as necessary. 
• Utilize proper preparation and use of reagents, timing of processing, quantities of specimens, and techniques of processing for the various stages of processing.
• Accurately records incoming and outgoing work on appropriate logs. 
• Accurately labels and loads cassettes onto tissue processors. 
• Maintains processors according to schedule and accurately prepares processing reagents. 
• Performs specimen disposal. 
• Accurately embeds and cuts tissue according to policies and procedures. 
• Accurately maintains the file room, file blocks, and slides according to policies and procedures.
• Answers client questions when the question pertains to the gross room, specimen receipt, specimen collection, and specimen discrepancies.
• Maintains cleanliness of histology area, including but not limited to gross room, embedding and microtomy areas, store room, etc.
• Maintains inventory and notifies the supervisor when supplies are needed.
• Performs routine non-gyn cytology preparation, including description and cellblock submission. 
• Adheres to QC procedures established in the department.
• Exhibits a complete understanding of policies and procedures within the areas of the Histology lab.
• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, cleanliness, safety, and infection control procedures.
• Accurately calibrates selected instruments.
• Notifies supervisor of non-complying QC. 
• Performs staining procedures as authorized by the department supervisor. 
• Prepares and maintains staining reagents.
• Performs routine H&E stains.
• Performs special stains. 
• Performs immunoperoxidase procedures. 
• Maintains processors, stainers, cover slips, and embedding equipment.
• Assists in the receipt and processing of gross pathology.  Assists the pathologist with special procedures.
• Assist in training of new employees as authorized by department supervisor – correctly demonstrating procedures and use of equipment.
• Performs tasks of the department supervisor in his/her absence, as qualified to do, including operating the department within policies and procedures, delegating duties, and appropriately communicating information within the laboratory.
• Via the computer, accurately orders patient requests, additional tests, modifies orders, orders slide labels, prints specimen logs, and looks up patient reports. 
• Improves technical knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education through pertinent seminars, in-services, and reading technical literature.
• Participate in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company and position.
• Attends and productively engages in designated team and/or department meetings, which may or may not occur outside of scheduled shift.

 EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSE 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college degree is a plus
• Active and valid US State-Issued Driver's License with acceptable motor vehicle record as defined and approved by the company's vehicle insurance carrier. 
• Certified HT (ASCP): NAACLS-accredited Histology Technician Program OR minimum of 60 college hours with at least 24 hours of science: 6 must be chemistry, 6 must be biology, and the other twelve can be any combination of chemistry, biology, and medical laboratory technology. HT (ASCP) certification required. 

 EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 1 year of experience required:
  1. Histology laboratory experience 
• Laboratory and/or healthcare environment experience is a plus.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to demonstrate rigid accuracy in identification of specimens and recording of names and numbers, experienced in embedding, cutting, routine and special stains, as well as immunohistochemistry staining.
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and discretion regarding patient and other confidential information.
• Willingly accepts responsibilities and schedules assigned by the supervisor and pathologists.
• Strong aptitude and interest in science preferred.
• Must follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of test examinations.
• Must maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Must adhere to the laboratory's quality control polices, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibration, and maintenance performed. 
• Must follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance. 
• Must be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results, and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the supervisor or director.
• Must document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications. 
• Must be able to utilize and maintain the slide label printer and report printer. 
• Adheres to preventative maintenance schedules on all equipment in the department.
• Exhibits patience and approachability, sets positive tone and example for team member behavior, work ethic & quality, abilities, skills, and overall performance.
• Maintains confidentiality at all levels and consistently acts with high integrity.
• Demonstrates patience and approachability and sets a positive tone for team behavior, work ethic, quality, and overall performance, focusing on team success over individual achievement.
• Consistently delivers high-quality work on time and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Builds and sustains effective relationships with team members across all organizational levels.
• Exhibits professional communication abilities, including listening, writing, and speaking fluently and effectively in English.
• Works effectively both collaboratively within a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments, managing competing priorities and frequent interruptions with ease.
• Functions as a responsible, organized initiative-taker with excellent time management, follow-through, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Possesses strong analytical and research skills with an initiative-taking approach to identifying, assessing, and resolving complex challenges and processes.
• Demonstrates effective facilitation, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Skilled in utilizing various software applications, including MS Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel, and healthcare databases/systems.
• Maintains regular, reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Maintains a professional appearance, communication style, and demeanor.

 WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position operates in a fast-paced office and lab environment, requiring adherence to daily workload demands, potential exposure to chemicals, and the use of personal protective equipment and universal precautions.
• The role involves regular use of standard office equipment, including computers, printers, phones, and mobile devices, in a work environment with noise levels ranging from moderate to loud.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position may require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objects.
• Regular activities include talking, hearing, sitting, standing, walking, using hands to manage or feel, grasping, reaching, and performing repetitive movements with wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Specific vision abilities include close visual acuity and the ability to adjust focus for tasks such as data analysis, reading reports, transcribing, viewing computer monitors, and legally operating a motor vehicle.
• Avero is an equal-opportunity employer and strives to provide a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities by applicable laws.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the primary functions, required knowledge and skills, and scope of responsibility for the role. This is not an exhaustive list of all job requirements, and employees may be asked to perform additional duties, work various shifts, or assist in other areas to cover absences, manage peak workloads, or balance staffing needs. These job details are not intended to create an employment contract and are subject to change at the employer's discretion.