Histotechnician

Cayuga Medical Center; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Centralus Health Mission seeks a Histotechnician to prepare and process surgical and cytology specimens for microscopic evaluation. You will perform embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping with independence while ensuring sample integrity and accurate labeling.

The role requires an Associate or Bachelor’s in histology or related science, plus NYS-recognized histotechnician certification and licensure, with strong communication and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in histology or related science with NYS-recognized histotechnician certificate program.
• Current or eligible NYS Histotechnician license, or NYS CLT/Technician license with relevant experience.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, and workload prioritization.

Responsibilities

• Embed, microtomy, stain, and coverslip pathology specimens accurately.
• Process specimens for special stains, immunohistochemistry, and send-out testing as requested.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, accessioning, and integrity throughout processing.
• Assist with intraoperative consultations under pathologist direction.
• Operate, maintain, and document preventive maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Identify and report issues affecting test performance; document corrective actions.
• Comply with laboratory, hospital, safety, HIPAA, and Joint Commission requirements.
• Maintain continuing education hours (minimum 12 CE hours annually) and licensure requirements.
• Maintain compliance with Employee Health policies (e.g., PPD testing and influenza vaccination).

Skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving ability

Prioritization of workload

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in histology or related science

NYS-recognized histotechnician certificate program

Current or eligible NYS Histotechnician license or NYS CLT/Technician license

Job description

Histotechnician

Centralus Health Mission

Our mission is to deliver high-quality care; empower our teams to success and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.

Job Summary

A Histotechnician prepares and processes surgical and cytology specimens to produce high-quality microscopic slides for diagnosis by the pathologist. Responsibilities may also include gross examination of uncomplicated specimens and participation in postmortem examinations. This role performs standardized laboratory procedures with minimal supervision, exercises independent judgment, and contributes to high standards of quality, safety, and customer service.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform accurate embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping of anatomic pathology specimens.
• Process specimens for additional studies (e.g., special stains, immunohistochemistry, and send-out testing) as requested.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, accessioning, and specimen integrity throughout processing.
• Assist with intraoperative consultations under pathologist direction.
• Operate, maintain, and document preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Identify, correct, or promptly report issues affecting test performance or result reporting; fully document corrective actions.
• Comply with all laboratory, hospital, corporate compliance, infection prevention, safety, Joint Commission, New York State, and HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain professional competency through required continuing education (minimum 12 CE hours annually), training activities, and mandatory education programs.
• Maintain compliance with Employee Health and Occupational Medicine policies (i.e., PPD testing and Influenza vaccination).

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain slide, block, and specimen retention and retrieval systems in accordance with departmental policy.
• Appropriately discard specimens and biohazardous materials according to laboratory policy.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels, resolve ordering issues, and participate in inventory management initiatives.
• Support quality improvement activities, including validation of new processes and reagents, and policy/procedure review.
• Perform gross examination of uncomplicated surgical specimens and/or assist with postmortem examinations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Important Note:

(*) indicates an essential function of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Essential functions are the core duties that are fundamental to the position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Success Factors

• Demonstrates technical competence with laboratory equipment and hospital information systems; troubleshoots issues effectively.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Upholds patient and employee confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Adheres strictly to safety protocols, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as formalin and xylene.
• Maintains professional, respectful, and customer-focused interactions with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Consistently follows all applicable policies, procedures, regulatory standards, and quality control requirements.

Education / Experience Qualifications

Required:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in histology or a related science, plus completion of a NYS-recognized histotechnician certificate program.
• Current or eligible NYS Histotechnician license, or NYS Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Technician license with relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to prioritize workload.

Preferred:

• Minimum of one (1) year of histotechnician experience.

Physical Requirements

• Repetitive use of hand and upper-body; prolonged sitting and/or standing.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Regular exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and laboratory chemicals.

I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me.

I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review. If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks. Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law. I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks.

I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.