Histotechnician KAL

Beacon Health System; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Health System in Kalamazoo, MI, is seeking a histology technician to receive, log, prepare, and transfer biological specimens. This role requires meticulous documentation and adherence to safety standards.

The successful candidate will maintain patient identification and comply with regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include logging specimens, preparing samples for diagnostics, transferring specimens to designated facilities, and ensuring proper handling of hazardous materials.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited program in chemical, physical, biological science, medical laboratory technology and successful completion of a NAACLS accredited histotechnician program.
• OR Associates degree with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology or chemistry and 1 year of full-time acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory.
• OR 1 year of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the US or Canada or completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least 9 months that includes both classroom training and a minimum of 480 hours of acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Documents specimens received by maintaining daily logs and associating records with patient accounts.
• Prepares specimens for diagnostics or other analysis while maintaining positive patient identification.
• Transfers specimens to appropriate department or laboratory facility; handles and stores delicate or hazardous specimens appropriately.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.

Education

Associate degree with biology/chemistry focus

Certified histotechnician / NAACLS program

1 year histopathology experience (US/Canada) or approved program

Job description

Monday - Friday 11:30 am to 8:00 pm

Receives, logs, stores, prepares, and transfers biological specimens.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.
• Documents specimens received by maintaining daily logs and associating records with patient accounts.
• Prepares specimens for diagnostics or other analysis while maintaining positive patient identification.
• Transfers specimens to appropriate department or laboratory facility; handles and stores delicate or hazardous specimens appropriately.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

License/Certification/Education

• Completion of an accredited program in chemical, physical, biological science, medical laboratory technology and successful completion of a NAACLS accredited histotechnician program.
• OR Associates degree with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry and 1 year of full-time acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory.
• OR 1 year of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the US or Canada or completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least 9 months that includes both classroom (didactic) training and a minimum of 480 hours of acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory.

Physical Demands

• Speech clarity, utilization of fingers and hands, standing-remaining on one's feet in an upright position, sitting-remaining in the normal seated position, handling-seizing, holding, grasping.
• Moderate physical effort (up to 30 pounds); must comply with applicable safety procedures. Additional job duty (as assigned): (Hazardous Chemical Waste Management) Proper identification of known hazardous material in the work place.
• The knowledge of personal protection measures. The avoidance of accidents. The knowledge of hazardous waste characteristics, hazardous waste volume generation limits, accumulation limits, spill control measures, record keeping, proper handling and container management, labeling, container and storage inspection.

Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens; regularly exposed to the risk of blood-borne diseases; must comply with applicable safety procedures.
• Vision Requirements: Far acuity-ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more; near acuity-ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less; depth perception-ability to judge distance and space relationships; color vision-ability to distinguish and identify different colors.