Histology Technologist

HCA Healthcare; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Wellbeing support

Paid time off and family leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

HCA Healthcare, Inc. seeks a Histology Technologist to prepare and process specimens for gross and microscopic examination, ensuring accuracy and high-quality staining. You will support quality control, equipment maintenance, and collaboration with pathologists and care teams in a dynamic lab environment.

The role emphasizes independent problem-solving, adherence to regulatory standards, and active participation in continuous quality improvement within the laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of histology methods and disease correlations.
• Ability to follow protocols for fixation and routine staining.
• Proficient cutting, embedding, orientation and staining of specimens.
• General knowledge of laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process specimens for gross and microscopic examination.
• Assist in preparation of frozen sections for rapid diagnostics.
• Perform histology and cytology procedures with routine and special stains.
• Maintain sample traceability and quality assurance across processes.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement and accreditation activities.

Skills

Histology knowledge

Quality control

Collaboration

Troubleshooting

Independent judgement

Education

High School Diploma or GED + histology experience

Accredited histotechnologist program or certification

Bachelor's degree in Histotechnology / Medical Laboratory Science

Job description

Hourly Wage Estimate: 30.27 - 45.42 / hour Learn more about the benefits offered for this job.

The estimate displayed represents the typical wage range of candidates hired. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, how many years of experience you have and comparison to other employees already in this role. The typical candidate is hired below midpoint of the range.

Last year our HCA Healthcare colleagues invested over 156,000 hours volunteering in our communities. As a Histology Technologist with HCA Healthcare you can be a part of an organization that is devoted to giving back!

Job Summary and Qualifications

The Histology Technologist / Histo Tech / Histotechnologist in HCA Healthcare Lab Service Line plays a vital role in preparing and processing specimens for gross and microscopic examination by a pathologist. This role ensures accurate sample identification and rigorous quality control. The technologist directly impact patient care by performing a variety of histology and cytology procedures, maintains equipment, and actively contributes to continuous quality improvement within the laboratory setting while working collaboratively with pathologists and the care team.

Major Responsibilities:

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource to peers and customers, fostering a collaborative environment.


• Prepare and process specimens for gross and microscopic examination and diagnosis by a pathologist, ensuring optimal conditions for analysis.


• Assist in the preparation of frozen sections of surgical specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist, contributing to rapid diagnostic processes.


• Perform histology and cytology procedures including specimen processing/fixation, cell block preparation, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, routine and special stains in accordance with department procedures, adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and consistency.


• Assure positive sample, block and slide identification throughout the sample/slide preparation process, maintaining impeccable traceability and preventing errors.


• Prepare and maintain solutions for stains and histology procedures, ensuring the availability of high-quality reagents for accurate staining.


• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment and instrumentation per manufacturer and department procedures and per department schedule, ensuring optimal functionality and minimizing downtime.


• Utilize independent judgement and problem-solving skills to ensure the accuracy of procedures performed and proper equipment performance, proactively addressing potential issues.


• Troubleshoot and take appropriate corrective action to resolve and/or elevate issues in a timely manner for resolution, maintaining the integrity of the laboratory processes.


• Adhere to department policy with regards to performance and documentation of quality control and quality assurance for instrumentation, equipment and procedures performed, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.


• Identify unacceptable results/outcomes, take corrective action as required and elevate to department leadership when unable to resolve and ensure that patient materials are not provided to a pathologist until the issue has been resolved, safeguarding patient care.


• Actively participate in Continuous Quality Improvement and provide input into the design of workflows, systems and processes and the need for and selection of new methods and equipment, driving innovation and efficiency.


• Support the department in achieving goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, healthy work environment and integration of intra and inter-departmental activities, contributing to the overall success of the organization.


• Act as a resource to peers and customers and model teamwork, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.


• Assist in the orientation, training, and competency documentation of department personnel as requested, contributing to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable team.


• Assist in the review and modification of department policies and procedures as requested, ensuring that practices remain current and effective.


• Participate in accreditation inspections, supporting the maintenance of the laboratorys accredited status.


• Perform duties of a Complex Specimen Processor as required, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Possess a thorough knowledge of histology methods and their correlation to disease processes, enabling accurate and insightful analysis.


• Demonstrate the ability to follow directions and protocols meticulously for the proper fixation and routine staining of samples, ensuring consistent and reliable results.


• Demonstrate proficient technique in the cutting, embedding, orientation and staining of specimens, ensuring high-quality preparations for analysis.


• Possess a general knowledge of laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to industry standards.


• Exhibit excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, setting a positive example for colleagues.


• Demonstrate the ability to train others effectively, contributing to the development of a skilled team.


• Possess the ability to assimilate and analyze information and recommend actions to be taken, contributing to effective problem-solving and decision-making.


• Demonstrate effective and proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills, addressing challenges with confidence and efficiency.


• Exhibit the ability to view work situations from a broad context, understanding the interdependent nature of work processes, and consider the impact of decisions on other components of the organization, promoting holistic thinking.

Education & Experience:

• Experience is dependent on level of education


• High School Diploma or GED and 2 years of histology experience OR


• High School Diploma or GED and completion of an accredited program in histotechnology OR


• Associates Degree in Histology, Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Biology or Chemistry and 1 year of histology experience, OR


• Bachelors Degree or higher in Histotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Biology or Chemistry

Licenses, Certifications & Training:

• National Certification as a Histotechnologist, Histotechnician, Medical Laboratory Technician, or Medical Laboratory Scientist required; HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification or equivalent

Benefits

HCA Healthcare, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

• Comprehensive benefitsfor medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services


• Wellbeing support,including free counseling and referral services


• Time away from workprograms for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence


• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support and financial wellbeing counseling


• Education supportthrough tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing


• Additional benefitsfor fertility and family building, adoption assistance, life insurance, supplemental health protection plans, auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection and consumer discounts

Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

HCA Healthcare Laboratory Services is a full-service provider of clinical laboratory and anatomic pathology services, providing hospitals, physicians, and clients with timely diagnostic information for patient care. Our infrastructure includes a fully automated esoteric core laboratory in Fort Lauderdale, a histology and microbiology operation in Largo, Florida, and a network of hospital-based rapid-response laboratories in four HCA Healthcare divisions in Florida. Our core laboratories support over 250 acute and rehab hospitals, physician practices, surgery centers, and commercial accounts.

HCA Healthcare has been recognized as one of the World Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute more than ten times. In recent years, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated 3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses.

\"There is so much good to do in the world and so many different ways to do it.\" - Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr. HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.