Histotechnologist

The University of Kansas Health System; North Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System is seeking a Histotechnologist to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic evaluation. You will perform embedding, sectioning, staining, and may conduct immunohistochemistry and digital imaging under pathologist supervision.

Requires NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program or related degree with histopathology experience; ASCP HT/HTL eligibility preferred. On-site role in North Kansas City, MO focusing on quality, safety, and continual education.

Qualifications

• High School Graduation and completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program or an Associate degree with biology and chemistry coursework and histopathology experience.
• Technical/Professional Training/ Degree in Histotechnology.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological sciences, chemistry, physical science or medical technology (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Orient tissue samples during embedding, perform microtomy, stain tissues, and perform histochemical stains; may perform Immunohistochemical analysis and digital imaging.
• Maintain, operate, troubleshoot instrumentation and document accordingly.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including tissue processors, automatic stainers, cryostats and coverslippers.
• Dispose of biohazardous materials and chemicals per policy; adhere to safety and infection control procedures.
• Apply critical thinking and prioritize work; demonstrate technical competence with LIS/EMR/PC.
• Participate in quality assurance/improvement activities and proficiency testing; record results timely.
• Adhere to regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards; participate in inspection readiness.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and prepare, label, and store reagents, controls, and specimens.

Education

High School Diploma

NAACLS Histotechnology program

Associate degree or biology/chemistry + histopathology experience

Histotechnology credential (HTL/HT) – ASCP

Bachelor’s in biological/physical/medical technology

Job description

Position Summary / Career Interest:

Histotechnologist are members of the laboratory team who prepare tissue specimens for evaluation by preparing glass stained slides of human tissue for microscopic examination. A Pathologist then uses these complex techniques to establish and confirm a patient diagnosis. The tasks performed by the Histotechnologist require patience, mechanical ability and a strong knowledge of the biological sciences. There are five intricate steps which include: 1) Grossing/Fixation, 2) Processing, 3) Embedding, 4)Sectioning and 5) Staining; each an integral part of the histotechnologists’ job. Additional duties may include Immunohistochemistry and Digital Imaging.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Orient tissue samples during embedding process, performs microtomy, stains tissue samples, and performs manual and automated histochemical stains; may perform Immunohistochemical analysis and digital imaging.
• Maintains, operates, troubleshoots instrumentation issues and completes appropriate documentation.
• Has the ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, tissue processors, automatic stainers, cryostats and coverslippers.
• Disposes of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials, according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures.
• Has knowledge of specimen requirements for surgical pathology processing and analysis, and understands when to direct questions to the appropriate pathologist or supervisor.
• Must apply critical thinking skills and prioritize work appropriately
• Demonstrates technical competence with LIS, EMR, and PC.
• Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Participates in proficiency testing and records results in a timely manner according to laboratory policy.
• Follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures.
• Participates in inspection readiness.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of all supplies.
• Accurately prepares, labels, and stores reagents, controls, and specimens for analysis.
• Completes continuing education and submits appropriate documentation where applicable. Participates in training new employees.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate and completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program OR
• Associates Degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry and 1 full year of recent experience in histopathology as defined by ASCP to include fixation, embedding/microtomy, staining, and laboratory operations.
• Technical/Professional Training/ Degree in Histotechnology

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Biologic science, chemistry, physical science or medical technology

Required Licensure and Certification

• Histotechnologist (HTL) – American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP) registration (or eligible with the requirement to pass the boards within 6 months of hire. within 180 Days OR
• Histotechnician (HT) – American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP) registration (or eligible with the requirement to pass the boards within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge Requirements

• * May grandfather into this position with high school education only if working in a Histology Laboratory prior to January 2, 2005.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.