Histology Technician

Advocate Health; Rosemont (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Rosemont, IL is seeking a detail‑oriented Histotechnician to prepare and process tissue specimens for pathology testing. You will embed tissue in paraffin, cut sections, perform immunohistochemistry, and manage slide and block storage.

You will support pathologists and staff, ensuring quality control and compliance with accrediting standards. The role requires HT certification (ASCP BOC) and education beyond high school in biology or a related field, with the ability to handle

Qualifications

• Advanced training beyond high school in biology or related field.
• HT certification (ASCP BOC) is required.

Responsibilities

• Accession, label, and prepare specimens for testing.
• Embed tissue in paraffin blocks and manage tissue/slide filing.
• Process tissue to ensure preservation and infiltration by paraffin.
• Perform routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry, and slide coverslipping.
• Manage workflow for recuts, stains, controls, and send-outs per protocols.
• Document quality control and take corrective actions as directed.
• Maintain and troubleshoot instruments and equipment.
• Assist pathologists during frozen section procedures.
• Ensure compliance with accrediting standards.
• Support pathologists, externs, and other team members.

Skills

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Safe handling of sharp instruments

Proficient computer skills

Problem solving

Education

Certificate/Training in Biology or related field

Tools

ASCP BOC histotechnician certification

Job description

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.