Histotechnician

WVU Medicine; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals in Morgantown seeks a Histology Technician to perform and analyze tissue preparation and standard staining to support diagnostic workflows.

Responsibilities include specimen accessioning, preparing slides, operating cryostats, microtomes and staining equipment, and maintaining quality records. Must have ASCP HT certification or WV license eligibility and one year histopathology experience.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Histotechnology or related field.
• Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided.
• WV: High Complexity Testing Personnel (HCTP) License, Histologist License, OR Trainee License issued by the WV Department of Health
• Current Histotechnician (HT) Certification through ASCP
• One year of laboratory experience in histopathology

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned basic laboratory procedures (e.g., specimen accessioning and processing, inventory, ordering).
• Prepare tissue and produce microscopic slides using tissue techniques (fixation, embedding, sectioning and standard staining) to produce accurate reproducible results for patients.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment/instruments (cryostats, microtomes, knife sharpeners, embedding centers, slide stainers, pH meters, balance and autoclave); perform quality assurance, quality control and maintenance.
• Record all work and complete quality control documentation per SOP.
• Maintain effective communication with laboratory sections and hospital departments.
• Participate in educational endeavors and training of students and staff.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Verbal & written communication

Computer literacy

Education

Associate degree in Histotechnology or related field

Tools

Cryostats

Microtomes

Slide stainers

Embedding centers

Autoclave

pH meters

Balance

Job description

Perform and analyze clinical laboratory procedures and tests within scope of licensure associated with the preparation of specimens for the anatomic study of their microscopic structure in support of the hospital's mission of patient care.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

• Associate degree in Histotechnology or related field.
• Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided.

PA:

No State License Required

WV:

High Complexity Testing Personnel (HCTP) License, Histologist License, OR Trainee License issued by the WV Department of Health

Preferredqualifications

CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

• Current Histotechnician (HT) Certification through (ASCP)

Experience

• One (1) year of laboratory experience in histopathology

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform assigned basic laboratory procedures (e.g., specimen accessioning and processing, inventory, ordering).
• Prepare tissue and produce microscopic slides using a variety of tissue techniques (i.e., fixation, embedding, sectioning and standard staining) to produce accurate reproducible results to meet the needs of patients as requested by the physicians.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment/instruments (e.g., cryostats, microtomes, knife sharpeners, embedding centers, slide stainers, pH meters, balance and autoclave) consistent with manufacturer's instruction manual. Perform quality assurance, quality control, routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
• Record all work, (e.g., blocks cut, special stains, slides, immunoperoxidase slides, frozen section slides, immunofluorescent slides, re-cut slides, autopsy and surgical slides, decals, conference, teaching and research), according to SOP. Complete all quality control documentation and records legibly and accurately (e.g., review of records, daily worksheets), according to SOP.
• Maintain effective communication with laboratory sections, other hospital departments and public, as necessary to assure dissemination of information and the identification/resolution of problems.
• Participate in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs of the department. Participate as required, in the education of medical students, residents, PA students, School of Medicine students, MLS and Histotechnology students and technicians.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Visual acuity must not be impaired. Color differentiation is required.
• Manual dexterity for instrument operation including microscope.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Noisy environment.
• Foul or unpleasant odors.
• Perform procedures and operate instrumentation while wearing protective apparel.
• May be exposed to virus, disease, and infection from patients and specimens.

Skills And Abilities

• Able to use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse
• Able to communicate verbally, written and electronically with healthcare personnel, families and patients.
• Able to use numerous types of laboratory equipment.

Additional Job Description

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Exempt/Non-Exempt

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company

WVUH West Virginia University Hospitals

Cost Center

115 WVUH Clinical Labs Anatomic Pathology

Address

1 Medical Center Drive

Morgantown

West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.