Histology Tech - Full Time - First Shift

Aurora Health Care; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care is seeking a Histotechnician to prepare tissue specimens for testing, cut precise tissue sections, and mount slides for analysis. This role supports pathologists and lab operations in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include embedding tissues in paraffin, maintaining block and slide inventories, and performing quality control under supervision. ASCP HT certification is required, with advanced biology training and strong attention to detail expected.

Qualifications

• HT certification required by ASCP BOC.
• Advanced training in Biology or related field is required.
• No prior experience required.

Responsibilities

• Accession, label, and prepare specimens for testing; cut tissue sections and place on slides.
• Embed tissue in paraffin; maintain filing for blocks, slides, and wet tissue.
• Process tissue for full preservation and paraffin infiltration.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Safe handling of sharp instruments

Computer skills

Problem solving

Education

Advanced training in Biology or related field

Job description

• Ensures specimens are properly accessioned, labeled, and suitable for testing. Cuts quality tissue sections with proper thickness as determined by tissue type and places properly on glass slides.
• Embeds tissue into paraffin blocks. Maintains a filing system for paraffin tissue blocks, slides and wet tissue.
• Processes tissue using processors to ensure full preservation and infiltration by paraffin.
• Performs routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry, cover slipping, verification, and distribution of slides.
• Retrieves and prints computer logs. Manages daily workflow for recuts, special stains, immunohistochemistry, control slides, and send-outs according to established protocols.
• Performs and documents quality control. Evaluates quality control results and takes corrective action under the guidance of key operators, technical specialists or supervisor.
• Performs and documents cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of instruments and equipment.
• Assists pathologists during frozen section procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
• Provides assistance to pathologists, externs, and other team members.

Major Responsibilities

• Ensures specimens are properly accessioned, labeled, and suitable for testing. Cuts quality tissue sections with proper thickness as determined by tissue type and places properly on glass slides.
• Embeds tissue into paraffin blocks. Maintains a filing system for paraffin tissue blocks, slides and wet tissue.
• Processes tissue using processors to ensure full preservation and infiltration by paraffin.
• Performs routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry, cover slipping, verification, and distribution of slides.
• Retrieves and prints computer logs. Manages daily workflow for recuts, special stains, immunohistochemistry, control slides, and send-outs according to established protocols.
• Performs and documents quality control. Evaluates quality control results and takes corrective action under the guidance of key operators, technical specialists or supervisor.
• Performs and documents cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of instruments and equipment.
• Assists pathologists during frozen section procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
• Provides assistance to pathologists, externs, and other team members.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Histotechnician (HT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC).

Education Required

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Biology or related field.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of human anatomy.
• Must be detail oriented and have good organizational and communication skills.
• Must know how to safely handle sharp instruments.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Must be able to problem solve.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Sits and stands the majority of the workday as well as walks, lifts, squats, bends and twists throughout.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs. Will occasionally be required to lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive and infectious agents.
• Will be exposed to human blood, body fluids and tissue.
• Must wear appropriate lab coat, gloves, gowns and eye and face protection as needed.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• May require travel, therefore may be exposed to inclement weather and adverse road conditions.
• Good manual dexterity.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.