Histotechnician

ochsner; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health in New Orleans seeks a Histotechnologist to process surgical, biopsy and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and microscopic examination. You will assist pathologists and residents in the gross dissection room and perform special procedures as needed.

The role requires a high school diploma (associate degree or Biology/Chemistry coursework preferred) and 1 year of histopathology experience or ASCP HT certification.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of experience in histopathology or ASCP HT certification.
• Preferred ASCP Histotechnician (HT) certification may be accepted in lieu of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing.
• Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in gross dissection and prepares slides.
• Performs embedding, sectioning, staining and labeling of slides.
• Maintains reagents and QC logs; ensures safety compliance and proper documentation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Judgmental skills

Analytical skills

Stress management

Independent worker

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree or 60 semester hours in Biology & Chemistry

ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification

Tools

Microtomes

Cryostats

H&E stainer

Paraffin embedding center

Automated slide strainers

Job description

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in the gross dissection room and performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts, stains and labels slides. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

• Required - High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred - Completion of an Associate Degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of Biology and Chemistry.

Work Experience

• Required - 1 year of experience in Histopathology laboratory OR a ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification.

Certifications

• Preferred - ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification
• *ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification may be accepted in lieu of work experience

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.

Excellent judgmental skills in order to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.

Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.

Ability to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients.

Experience working independently.

Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.

Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.

Job Duties

Properly orients tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins, are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.

Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.

Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.

Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides and documents on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date for special stains.

Completes Pathologist's, Supervisor's and management team's requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.

Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required.

Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.

Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.

Performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing.

Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.

Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compl