HISTOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST

Independence Health System; Butler (Butler County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System seeks an experienced histology technician to support specimen processing, embedding, cutting, staining, and slide preparation for pathologists. You will manage LIS/HIS documentation, perform routine and frozen sections, and maintain equipment per SOPs.

Ideal candidates hold an ASCP HT/HTL, with 3+ years histology experience, and demonstrate leadership, strong communication, and meticulous attention to detail in a high-volume lab environment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in science or higher with 3+ years histology experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational skills, independent and critical thinking.
• Excellent communication of complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Basic math and keyboard proficiency.
• Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment.
• Problem solving involving several variables.
• Apply technical principles and interpret varied instructions.
• High visual acuity for detailed work.

Responsibilities

• Access and organize specimens to safeguard identification and integrity.
• Assist grossing of specimens with pathologist and prep area for workflow.
• Operate and maintain microtomes, cryostats, staining equipment, and processors.
• Embed, section and stain tissue; prepare slides for reading.
• Perform and document frozen sections with timely turnaround.
• Maintain LIS/HIS records and assist in QA/documentation.
• Restock supplies and maintain a clean, sanitary grossing area.
• Participate in routine departmental tasks and section readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Independent thinking

Critical thinking

Communication

Math skills

Keyboard proficiency

Computers & office equipment

Problem solving

Technical principle application

Attention to detail

Anatomical pathology workflow

Education

Associate degree in science or higher

3+ years histology experience

HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification

Tools

Pathology LIS/HIS software

EMR systems

Dictation system

Job description

Essential Job Functions

• Access and systematically organize specimens to safeguard specimen identification and integrity.
• Prepare for and assist 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.
• Operate and maintain 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 preventive and corrective maintenance performed by outside vendors.
• Embed, cut, and perform routine stains on tissue sections.
• Demonstrate competency in routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, molecular probes.
• Prepare 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.
• Perform and complete 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.
• Participate in routine departmental tasks.
  • File slides and paraffin blocks accurately and independently.
  • 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.
• Maintain skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions.
  • Work with the pathology software and dictation system on a daily basis for accessioning and documentation of specimens, pulling work lists, ordering slides, labels, etc.
  • Use the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA variances, etc.
  • Monitor reports to track specimens and/or results as needed.
• Function in an organized and independent manner, complying with policy and procedures to cooperatively enhance department operations.
  • Be cognizant of the importance of clear and concise communication between pathologists, histologists, manager and medical secretaries.
  • Handle requests from pathologists in a timely manner.
  • Recognize areas for improvement in department operations and contribute to and participate in quality management processes.
  • Participate in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance.
  • Maintain competency in assigned areas, complete assessments in a timely and independent manner.
  • Participate in continuing education programs, staff meetings, etc., as appropriate.
• Function 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 in Science 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Work Environment

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 lb, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.