HISTOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

Independence Health System; Butler Township (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System is seeking a Pathology Histology Technician to process and prepare tissue specimens for diagnostic slides. You will assist in grossing, embed, section, stain, and prepare slides for pathologists, while maintaining accurate records and quality standards.

The role requires an Associate Degree in Science (Histology) with 3+ years of histology experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency with LIS/HIS systems.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in science with histology experience (3+ years).
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication abilities.
• Basic math and keyboard skills; computer literacy required.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions and apply them in a lab setting.
• High visual acuity for detailed tissue analysis.

Responsibilities

• Accessions and organises specimens to safeguard identification and integrity.
• Assist in grossing specimens; prepare the grossing area and supply tools as needed.
• Operate and maintain histology equipment; perform routine maintenance and document it.
• Embed, cut, and perform routine stains on tissue sections.
• Prepare slides for reading by pathologist and ensure proper labeling and distribution.
• Perform and document frozen sections and related processes.
• Maintain LIS/HIS system usage for accessioning and documentation.
• Participate in quality management and compliance activities.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Math proficiency

Keyboard proficiency

Problem solving

Technical principles

Education

Associate Degree in Science (Histology)

Tools

Pathology LIS

Dictation system

Pathology software

Job description

Description

HOURS: Monday - Friday Days - No Weekends or holidays. * Days and hours are subject to change.

Processes and prepares pathology specimens to produce quality diagnostic slides for examination by a pathologist. Competent in the performance of routine and special stains.

Essential Job Functions

• Accessions and systematically organizes specimens to safeguard specimen identification and integrity.
• Prepares for and assists in the grossing of specimens (with a pathologist based on location).
  • readies the grossing area in an organized manner to assist the pathologist and efficiently prioritize workflow
  • supplies materials to the pathologist as needed-gloves, surgical instruments, inks, etc.
  • accurately documents specimens, blocks and slides
  • orders blocks, levels, frozen sections, path determinations, photos, flow cytometry tracking, touch preps, special stains and special requests as needed
  • cleans the grossing station and instruments when the grossing is finished, maintaining area in a safe and sanitary condition.
• Operates and maintains equipment in accordance with guidelines.
  • loads and starts processors at day's end, choosing the appropriate program for processing
  • operates microtomes, cryostats, staining equipment, etc., as trained and according to guidelines
  • performs routine, preventative and corrective maintenance, resolving problems as they occur
  • documents maintenance as performed; assists in keeping accurate records of preventative and corrective maintenance performed by outside vendors
• Embeds, cuts and performs routine stains on tissue sections.
• Demonstrates competency in performance of routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry and insituhybridization, molecular probes
• Prepares slides for reading by pathologist.
  • coverslips slides using manual or automated methods
  • labels slides accurately, ensuring positive patient identification with clear notation of slide source and stain procedure
  • facilitates the distribution of slides between pathologists to provide timely progression of workflow
• Performs and completes frozen sections.
  • At the direction of the Pathologist (or Moh’s surgeon) and the PA is not available (applicable by location)
    • produces quality frozen section slides with accurate identification of patient and source
    • performs frozen section procedure and delivers slides to pathologist in a manner that allows for a 20 minute or less turnaround time
  • documents receipt and delivery of the frozen section in the log book and in the EMR
  • follows written protocols for cleaning, defrosting and decontamination of the cryostats, documents in the QC manual
• files slides and paraffin blocks accurately and independently (wet tissue accurately and independently by location)
• restocks supplies as needed
• maintains adequate supplies of filled specimen containers
• makes reagents, filters stains according to established protocols
• performs supply inventory and places stock and non-stock orders as needed
• Maintains skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions.
  • Works with the pathology software and dictation system and software (by location where applicable) on a daily basis for accessioning and documentation of specimens, pulling work lists, ordering slides, labels, etc.
  • Uses the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA variances, etc.
  • monitors reports to track specimens and/or results as needed
• Functions in an organized and independent manner, complying with policy and procedures to cooperatively enhance department operations.
  • cognitive of the importance of clear and concise communication between pathologists, histologists, manager and medical secretaries
  • handles requests from the pathologists in a timely manner
  • recognizes areas for improvement in department operations, contributes to and participates in quality management processes
  • participates in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance
  • maintains competency in assigned areas, and completes assessments in a timely and independent manner
  • participates in continuing education programs, staff meetings, etc., as appropriate
• Functions as cytopreparatory tech for preparation of gyne and non-gyne thin prep specimens.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Associate Degree of Science degree or higher level of education with three (3) + years’ experience in histology
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
• Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment
• Problem solving involving several variables in or from standardized situations.
• Apply technical principles. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.
• High level of visual acuity (with/without correction) necessary for very close inspection and attention to minute detail, very small objects and scant variations in color.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• None preferred.

License, Certification & Clearances

• HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification required.
• Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
• Must complete HAZMAT training within 90 days of hire/transfer

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

x

Extreme Cold

x

Heights

x

Confined Spaces

x

x

Mechanical Hazards

x

x

Use of Vibrating Tools

x

Operates Vehicle (company)

x

x

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

x

x

Rotates All Shifts

x

x

x

x

x

On-Call

x

x

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)

x

x

x

x

x

Respirator Protective Equipment

x

x

Eye Protection

x

x

x

Hearing Protection

x

Hand Protection

x

x

Feet, Toe Protection

x

Body Protection

x

x

Latex Exposure

x

x

Solvent Exposure

x

x

Paint (direct use) Exposure

x

Dust (sanding) Exposure

x

x

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

x

x

x

x

x

Mist Exposure

x

x

x

x

x

Laser Exposure

x

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

x

x

x

x

Walking

x

x

x

x

x

Climbing Ladders

x

Standing

x

x

Kneeling

x

x

Squatting (Crouching)

x

x

Twisting/Turning

x

x

Keyboard/Computer Operation

x

Gross Grasp

x

x

x

Hand/Arm Coordination

x

x

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

x

x

Carry

x

x

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

x

Seeing Near w/Acuity

x

x

Feeling (Sensation)

x

x

x

x

Hearing Clearly

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

x

x

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

x

x

Reaching Forward

x

x

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

###

10-29#

30-49#

50>50#

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

###

10-19#

20-29#

30->50#

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

###

10-19#

20-29#

30->50#

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

###

10->50#

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.