Histotechnician-Casual Rotating Shifts

Northwestern Medicine; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Histotechnician for Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, IL. The role involves routine histology procedures, slide preparation, and communication with pathologists and residents to ensure accurate diagnoses.

The position requires an Associate degree with biology/chemistry coursework or 60 semester hours with relevant biology/chemistry credits, and the Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire.

Qualifications

• Associates degree (if hired after 1/19/2025) with biology/chemistry coursework or 60 semester hours with biology/chemistry to qualify for ASCP exam.
• Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation and handles tissue processing equipment per SOP.
• Embeds tissues for histology and assesses processing adequacy.
• Maintains embedding logs, tracks specimens, and documents quality issues.
• Coordinates paraffin block reconciliation and prioritizes blocks per guidelines.
• Operates microtome and optimizes block orientation and knife settings for representative sections.
• Identifies acceptable vs. unacceptable sections and adjusts procedures to produce diagnostic slides.
• Documents all steps and results in lab information systems and cassettes/logs.
• Operates automated stainers and coverslippers; performs manual methods during downtimes.
• Performs special staining techniques and ensures controls yield acceptable results.
• Prepares sections and slides from frozen tissue; documents staining quality.
• May assist with gross examination and specimen selection when applicable.
• Uses dictation to document specimen descriptions per procedure.

Education

Histotechnician ASCP certification readiness

Job description

The salary range for this position is $28.12 - $39.37 (Hourly Rate) Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positions represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range is guided by the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section located at jobs.nm.org/benefits to learn more. Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world‑class care. Here, you’ll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. We recognize where you’ve been, and we support where you’re headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service. Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment. Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well‑Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional, and financial well‑being. Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce‑led resource groups. From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

This is a casual / as-needed Histotechnician position located at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. The Histotechnician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in the stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the Pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators/supervisors regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation. Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors. Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP. Recognizes adequacy of processing.
• Identifies and orients tissues correctly. Documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.
• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
• Operates microtome per SOP, and determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue might require a deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
• Appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes including in the laboratory information system, as well as cassettes, slides and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.
• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.
• Performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
• Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results and/or instrument failure.
• Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
• Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls. Evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
• Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissued. Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies. Documents stains and quality issues.
• Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimen, if applicable by site. Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary.
• Utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.
• Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn‑around times.
• May perform required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports”, if needed
• Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Notifies coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
• May participate in Safety and Infection Control activities. Follows all required safety procedures, assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• May participate in the training or teaching of students and staff in the department.

Additional Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be asked to assist in specific process improvement projects.
• May be asked to assist with problem resolution regarding patient specimens including root cause analysis

Qualifications

Required

• Associates degree (if hired after 1/19/2025) with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry OR must have successfully completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam. Must provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
• Certification Requirement: Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC,CAP)

Preferred

• Associated degree as Histotechnician.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign‑on bonus offered for position):

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending on the job family.