Histopathology Technician l

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore seeks an experienced Histology Technician to prepare tissue samples, embed, section, stain, and perform immunohistochemistry as needed. You will operate tissue processors, microtomes, and automated staining systems while ensuring QA/QC and safety standards.

Requires an associates degree in Histology or NAACLS-accredited training; clinical internship may count toward experience.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associates degree in Histology or higher with NAACLS/accredited training or equivalent.
• Regular completion of a NAACLS histology program or internship may be counted toward experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare tissue samples and embed for microscopic examination.
• Perform microtomy on biopsy specimens at appropriate thickness.
• Conduct H&E staining manually or with automated systems and cover-slipping.
• Maintain and program tissue processors; perform quality control and documentation.
• Stain slides, perform special stains, and participate in immunohistochemistry as assigned.
• Maintain inventory and PEM/QA records; ensure safety and compliance.
• Operate automated slide and cassette printers and related equipment.
• Keep accurate records and follow SOPs for processing and QA/QC.

Skills

Histology

Microscopy

QA/QC

Immunohistochemistry

Tissue processing

Decalcification

Microtomy

Slide preparation

Safety procedures

Computer data applications

Education

Associates degree in Histology

NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program

Equivalent military certificate with histopath or hospital training

Tools

Tissue processors

Paraffin embedding centers

Block/slide printers

Coverslipper

Pathology data systems

Job description

SUMMARY

Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Performs duties independently requiring sound judgement and problem-solving skills, under the general supervision of supervisor, lead or charge technician. Assigned to maintaining and programming tissue processors, performing special stains techniques and preparing various staining solutions, decalcifying bone specimens and staining using a modified H & E stain technique, operating automated slide and cassette printers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform all functions.

Daily Histology Duties

• Accurate embedding of routine specimens using proper orientation, follows standard operating procedures; documents quality assurance problems as indicated.
• Performs microtomy on routine and medical biopsy tissue specimens at appropriate microns using various microtome models.
• Performs routine H & E stain manually or automated following established protocol. Manual or automated coverslipping of slides, organizes slides and preparer slides for pathologist to review, ensuring correct correlation to case; reviews quality of stain throughout daily workflow, recommends corrective action.
• Loading and unloading of processors, adhering to schedule and processing time protocols; documents and reports problems.
• Staining of routine slides with hematoxylin and eosin (manually and automated).
• Performs slide/block match for qualify control recognizing discrepancies and takes corrective action.
• Performs microscopic quality control review of slides for routine and special stains
• Quality control documentation
• Follows safety procedures and protocols; recognizes and reports problems and/or discrepancies
• Utilizes appropriate computer data applications
• QA/QC, Preventive Maintenance and Safety
• Follows all hospital and laboratory safety procedures; attends required trainings.
• Appropriately notifies safety staff of required waste pickups.
• Performs slide block match for quality control.
• Performs all aspects of quality control and completes required documentation; recognizes discrepancies, initiates corrective action.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment following established procedures; adheres to competency requirements

Histology Laboratory Maintenance

• Independently sets up and maintains histology laboratory equipment; changes solutions and selects correct processing times on processors to ensure adequate processing of specimens.
• Files slides and paraffin blocks, must access low areas.
• Retrieves and files slides and paraffin blocks to support daily workflow as needed.

Inventory Control

• Understands and correctly performs the inventory/receipt of supplies, reagents and equipment.
• Monitors supply and reagent inventory daily to prevent shortages and overages; notifies Supervisor/Lead Tech of ordering needs.
• Special stains, procedures and projects
• Independent in the preparation and performance of special stains.
• Independent in the decalcification. Microtomy and stain of bone tissue.
• Performs special projects as assigned, including Special Microtomy and Immunohistochemistry as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Requires a minimum of an Associates degree in Histotechnology

OR

Associates or Bachelors degree with at least 60 semester hours of academic credit to include a combination of 12 semester hours of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), with successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology training program or completion of a clinical histology rotation in a NAACLS accredited laboratory granting HR (ASCP) eligibility

OR

Equivalent military certificate (equivalent of a degree) with histopath or hospital specialty and training in biology, chemistry, and related for which qualifies to sit for certification exam.

Required Licensure, Certification, On-going Training

Meeting criteria to sit for HT (ASCP) Certification is preferred. (Certification not required)

Work Experience

• A minimum of one year of related laboratory experience or healthcare setting is required.
• A clinical internship as a part of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program will be counted as one year of clinical experience. Without the completion of a college degree and/or NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program and certification, a minimum 1 year of clinical histology work experience with at least six months JHH laboratory is required.

Advancement to this position is possible for staff in the Histo Tech Prep Tech who complete minimum requirements for eligibility as a HT1, complete education steps, and have achieved annual performance reviews of “met expectations” or higher. Advancement considered only after the submission and completed verification of education and certification documentation. Employee may have no active discipline.

Machines, Tools, Equipment

Must be able to operate and maintain all related laboratory equipment. Manual and Automated laboratory areas. Tissue processors, paraffin embedding centers, block/slide printers/labelers, ovens, automated strainers and coverslipper, scale/balance, small instruments and delicate equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Work requires knowledge of histochemistry, microscopy, processing techniques, preparation of specimens, medical terminology, and chemistry at a level normally acquired through college coursework or NAACLS program. An understanding of metric system Is required.
• Interpersonal skills (verbal and written); must be able to interact with pathologists, clinician, Histology staff, and other staff related to specimen description and instructions.
• Manual dexterity with good hand-eye coordination; demonstrated ability to use small/sharp instruments, manual and automated equipment for accurate and quality preparation of tissue specimens.
• Loading and programming tissue processors.
• Microtomy at appropriate thickness.
• Capable of independently preparing and performing all special stains.
• Capable of decalcifying and staining of bone tissue.
• Operation of the automated slide and cassette printing system
• Requires basic knowledge of theory and concept of Immunohistochemistry.
• Requires critical thinking and analytical skills to troubleshoot complex tasks.
• Staff should be able to demonstrate work related knowledge of medical terminology within introductory/assessment period.
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and prioritize work per standard operating procedure
• Skills to maintain cooperative working relationships within a confined work area.
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Completes required quality assurance documentation
• Maintains tissue processors following established procedures.
• Embeds and organizes paraffin blocks following established procedures
• Computer competency of at least 30 wpm
• Knowledge of good lab practices and academic medical center & research environments, general medical terminology; Regulatory standards.
• Ability to read and interpret directions, both oral and written.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize own work and follow through on assignments.
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team in a high volume, dynamic laboratory.
• Visual acuity and the ability to distinguish fine gradation of colors, including differentiating of red and green.
• Work requires repetitive motion and repetitive activities.
• Ability to perform tasks on computer and assigned systems at appropriate level for the job. For example; use of MS Office, email, phones, handheld devices; Pathology, JHM, and Hospital data & patient systems.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment, troubleshoot and follow standard operating procedures.
• Maintains accurate, organized, detailed, clear & concise work documentation, records/logs, written communication. Maintains a clean and safe working environment.
• Models Johns Hopkins Core Values, maintains effective working relationships, and insures quality care and excellent service standards
• Ability to share knowledge and teach others in assigned areas or tasks.

DIMENSIONS

Cost Management

Effectively uses resources within control

Problem Complexity

• Reads, understands, and utilizes written protocols and procedures; capable of following oral and/or written instructions. Demonstrates an understanding of Good Lab Practices, Safety, Quality Assurance and Quality Control in reporting and resolving problems. Follows chain of command for reporting problems/discrepancies or concerns.

Autonomy and Responsibility

Capable of working with minimal supervision; works independently for long periods of time. Capable of making decisions and executing instructions.

Reports To

Histology Supervisor

People Management

Does not directly supervise, but assists in the training and support of others in the laboratory.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Support high volume, complex and demanding medical work. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, see, and hear. Most lab positions stand/walk for prolonged periods 45 minutes per hour or greater. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, touch, feel, and type. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments, delicate equipment, glass tubes, slides or dishes and specimen material. Able to operate computer workstations, laboratory equipment and/or hand-held devices. Frequently uses keyboard, pad or device to enter patient data or print including labels. Performs repetitive motion activities for extended periods of time; job aides and best practices should be followed to minimize physical impact or fatigue. May reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel or crouch. May transport equipment and supplies usually less than 40 pounds from one area to another. Lifting and or move up to 50lbs with proper training or lifting aides/precautions. In some areas work space is limited or confined. Staff should review with their supervisor specific assigned work stations and physical work conditions.

Prolonged vision requirements including viewing computer screen, paper reports/documents, charts and results. Visual acuity is required to distinguish fine gradation of color, bands or structures and closely examine specimens microscopically. Regulatory requirement for clinical lab positions includes color blindness test/visual color acuity confirmation.

Clinical environment – exposure to toxins and infectious agents/diseases exist but potential for personal injury or harm is minimized if established safety and health precautions are followed. Working in areas where there may be discomforts due to the odors, noise, temperature fluctuations and working around lab equipment.

Patient Care environment (Lab Tech, Phlebotomist, Cytotechnologist and other positions as job duties require). Many positions require standing and waking up to 90% of shift 50+ minutes per hour. Push/Pull of specimen/supply cart (15- 20lbs) and/or carry of specimen/supply basket. Work will include direct patient contact; following strict procedures for patient safety, identification, and infection control. Work will include bending, sitting, or stooping over patient bedside, chair or collection station. May occasionally be required to reposition patient. May interact with extremely ill, difficult, or combative patients including entry into rooms with biohazard, droplet precaution, or other concerns requiring adherence to safety procedures and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE may include but is not limited to: gowns, gloves, masks, shields, and/or PAPR. Fit testing may be required. Staff in designated positions must adhere to JH standards of appearance including where related to HEIC precautions and wear standardized apparel following policy.

Staff are required to complete annual competency review & trainings, and must insure compliance with Hospital policy, laboratory policy & procedure, health, safety & environment regulations and all applicable privacy & confidentiality practices.

Travel

May be requested to support patient or laboratory needs at other Pathology work sites, requiring travel to other JH locations or laboratories

Shift

Many department laboratories and Pathology roles operate on a 24/7 basis with schedule on day, evening or night shift. Rotating schedules which may include weekend work and holiday assignment. Staff must report to work and or remain at work in the event of emergency status or patient care needs.