Autopsy Technician - PRN/Days

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Autopsy Technician to support pathologists in performing autopsy procedures. This role involves preparing bodies, processing specimens, and maintaining accurate records within the laboratory. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, ensuring that all procedures are followed meticulously while contributing to the overall efficiency of the Anatomic Pathology lab. If you are passionate about contributing to vital medical processes and have a keen attention to detail, this opportunity could be a perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; degree in Forensic or Mortuary Science preferred.
• One year of experience as an autopsy tech/diener is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing autopsy procedures and prepare bodies appropriately.
• Process and transport specimens for laboratory testing accurately.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and follow safety protocols.

Skills

Basic Anatomy Knowledge

Data Entry Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Degree in Forensic or Mortuary Science

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Imaging System

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Autopsy Technician position assists pathologists/residents/pathology assistants in performing autopsy procedures. Responsibilities for this position include processing and preparing bodies for autopsy procedures appropriately, including the proper receipt, transport (when applicable) and release of bodies as indicated; and supporting other Anatomic Pathology lab functions by performing uncomplicated laboratory procedures that involve single-step processes. Other duties for the Autopsy Technician position include accurately processing, organizing, labeling and transporting specimens for laboratory testing; and inputting and extracting data from the laboratory computer system for autopsy and surgical purposes. This position follows established procedures set forth by Houston Methodist, Medicare and other regulatory agencies.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares the bodies received in the morgue for the autopsy procedure.
• Hand delivers specimens that cannot be sent through the pneumatic tube system. Communicates with other laboratory personnel when specimens need to be transported to other areas.
• Follows up with physician offices when outpatient laboratory testing has been requested without a narrative diagnosis or ICD-10 code. Prints reports and mails to appropriate person once the 'Authorization of Release of Information' form has been completed by the Outpatient Laboratory staff or Medical Records.
• Performs various Laboratory Information System functions. Scans requisitions as appropriate and accesses and utilizes the imaging system for requisition verification and laboratory results. Files requisitions, reports and other pathology materials appropriately. Answers the telephone and refers requests for the delivery of results to physician offices appropriately.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Keeps work area neat, clean and well stocked. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Processes specimens, aliquots, and/or slides/blocks according to procedure for samples tested in the laboratory as well as samples forwarded to referral laboratories. Handles STAT samples expeditiously. Labels all aliquots and/or slides/blocks carefully and stores processed specimens at proper temperature.
• Accurately processes and completes all necessary paperwork (consent forms, medical records chart, etc.) and computer work associated with each autopsy.
• Ensures data is thorough and accurately entered to include appropriate footnotes, comments, order priorities, physician names, patient location, collection information, etc. Distinguishes institutional accounts from regular patient accounts. Footnotes all calls made and faxes sent in the Laboratory Information System using the appropriate template. Maintains daily log of work performed.
• Recognizes problem occurrences, identifies causes, and takes corrective action to solve basic problems. Consults with coordinator or manager if no present criteria are available.
• Performs limited testing, equipment maintenance, and/or quality control under supervision.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security and emergency preparedness.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses department resources/equipment/supplies properly and efficiently.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in departmental project activities, and seeks continuing education opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Degree in Forensic or Mortuary Science preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year of experience in working as an autopsy tech/diener
• Basic anatomy training
• Previous data entry experience preferred