Histology Technician

Hugh Chatham Health, Inc.; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Illinois seeks a Histotechnician to accession, process, and stain tissue samples for diagnostic testing. You will prepare slides, embed blocks, and assist pathologists during procedures, ensuring quality and accuracy in every step.

Entry-level candidates with an ASCP HT certification and basic biology training are encouraged. The role follows a 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. day shift Tuesday through Saturday, with full benefits and a supportive lab team.

Qualifications

• Requires HT (Histotechnician) certification from ASCP BOC.
• Advanced training beyond high school in Biology or related field is required.
• No prior experience necessary; entry level accepted.

Responsibilities

• Accession and label specimens for testing and ensure proper tissue sectioning.
• Embed tissue in paraffin blocks and manage paraffin blocks and slides.
• Process tissue to preserve and infiltrate with paraffin.
• Perform stains, immunohistochemistry, cover slipping, and distribute slides.
• Monitor and document quality control and assist pathologists as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication

Computer skills

Problem solving

Education

Advanced biology program

HT certification (ASCP BOC)

Job description

Department

60348 IL ACL Laboratories - IL Central Lab: Histology

Department

60348 IL ACL Laboratories - IL Central Lab: Histology

Status

Full time

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Hours Per Week

40

Schedule Details/Additional Information

Full-time day shift hours working every Tuesday - Saturday from 06:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Pay Range

$26.55 - $39.85

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.

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.

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.

Our Commitment To You

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:

Compensation

• Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training


• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job


• Incentive pay for select positions


• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits And More

• Paid Time Off programs


• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability


• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses


• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave


• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs


• Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.

About Advocate Health

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.