Histology Lab Assistant

Mosaic Life Care; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Concierge services

Free parking

On-site health clinics

Wellness programs

Employee lounge

Job summary

Mosaic Life Care in Missouri is seeking a Histology Laboratory Assistant to provide essential pre-analytical and operational support in a CAP-accredited lab. You will handle specimens, accession, case management, supplies, and general lab support, enabling histotechnicians to focus on complex tasks.

This role emphasizes accuracy, attention to detail, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment, with training and orientation provided.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma required.
• 2+ years of basic computer skills with high attention to detail.
• Follow written procedures and protocols precisely.
• 4–6 weeks orientation and training to become competent.
• Prior laboratory, healthcare, or specimen processing experience preferred.
• Experience with LIS or EMR systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Accession incoming histology specimens into LIS, verify patient ID, labeling, and test orders.
• Assign cases to protocols, pathologists, and workflows per guidelines.
• Retrieve archived slides and paraffin blocks for pathologist review.
• Prepare cases for pathologist review and coordinate additional provider requests.
• Maintain and replenish laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Manage waste disposal and keep the lab clean and organized.
• Support workflow by prioritizing tasks and communicating across teams.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Typing

Strong organization

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

LIS

EMR systems

Job description

Job Description

The Histology Laboratory Assistant provides essential pre-analytical and operational support within a CAP-accredited histology laboratory. This role focuses on specimen handling, accessioning, case management, supply maintenance, and general lab support functions. By performing these duties, the assistant enables certified histotechnicians to focus on complex technical responsibilities, improving workflow efficiency and turnaround times.

Responsibilities

• Accession incoming histology specimens accurately into the laboratory information system (LIS) by verifying patient identification, specimen labeling, and test orders. Entering and managing tissue-related orders in LIS.
• Assign cases to appropriate protocols, pathologists, and workflows based on established guidelines. Differentiate specimen types (e.g., large vs small tissue) for proper routing.
• Retrieve archived slides and paraffin blocks for pathologist review and continuity of care. Filing of blocks and slides in accordance with CAP retention and storage requirements.
• Prepare cases for pathologist review, including organizing materials as needed. Coordinating additional requests from providers or pathologists.
• Maintain and replenish laboratory supplies.
• Change and manage reagent levels on stainers and other equipment according to protocol.
• Dispose of waste and assist with general lab cleanliness and organization.
• Supports laboratory workflow by prioritizing tasks based on volume and urgency, facilitating effective communication across teams, and assisting with workload balancing to maintain operational efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned

Education

• H.S. Diploma - Required

Work Experience

• 2 Years - Basic computer skills. Strong attention to detail and organization skills. Ability to follow written procedures and protocols precisely - Required
• Four to six weeks orientation and training period to become competent. Additional time necessary for proficiency - Required
• Prior laboratory, healthcare, or specimen processing experience- Preferred
• Experience with LIS or EMR systems. Basic familiarity with Anatomy & Physiology Preferred

Skills And Abilities

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Ability to type and input data into the computer.
• Ability to answer the telephone and speak clearly.
• Good with detailed work, logical reasoning and common senses.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to perform as a team player.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Standing, walking, and light lifting required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

Other Skills And Abilities

• Attention to detail.
• Time management and prioritization.
• Reliability and consistency.

About Us

Mosaic Life Care is a health care system in northwest Missouri. With a vision of transforming community health by being a life-care innovator, Mosaic places the holistic needs of patients first by providing the right care at the right time and place, offering high value and quality health care.

Mosaic has a wide array of benefits to meet each employee’s individual needs. Our benefits were designed by listening to people just like you. Mosaic also offers several perks with a focus on ensuring our employees feel valued, including concierge services, employee lounge, wellness programs, free covered parking, free on-site and virtual health clinics and many more. When paired with compensation and recognition, it is what continues to make us the employer of choice for employees at any stage of their journey.