Histotechnologist

Renown Health; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Renown Health in Reno, Nevada is seeking a licensed Histotechnologist to perform a variety of tasks including specimen processing, microtomy, and slide preparation. The position also entails assisting pathologists and maintaining lab safety protocols.

The ideal candidate must possess histotechnologist licensure in Nevada and national certification. This role requires strong communication and computer skills, along with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

Qualifications

• Must have Histotechnologist licensure in Nevada.
• National certification as HTL (ASCP) or HT (ASCP) is required.
• Must possess computer skills for online learning requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform histological procedures on body tissue.
• Assist pathologists with clinical procedures.
• Maintain safety requirements in the laboratory.

Skills

Histology procedures

Immunohistochemical staining

Specimen processing

Communication skills

Computer skills

Education

Histotechnologist licensure in Nevada

National certification as HTL or HT (ASCP)

Tools

Laboratory Information Systems

Job description

Position Purpose

Under the administrative guidance of the Clinical Laboratory Leadership, and the technical guidance of the pathologist(s) on-duty, performs at the level of a licensed Histotechnologist to competently complete all operational tasks in the histology section of the laboratory. The primary function of this position includes specimen receiving, assisting with specimen grossing, tissue processing procedures, microtomy, slide preparation, slide staining, special staining procedures, Immunohistochemical staining, slide quality checks, assisting with bone marrow biopsies and aspirations, limited grossing, review and sign off on competencies and write/review procedures.

Additional responsibilities include specimen accessioning, specimen storage/retrieval and report storage/retrieval. Performs histological procedures on body tissue, bone marrow, body fluids and blood as dictated by laboratory policies and procedures. Some support tasks will be required at times to support the histology section of laboratory operations and may include specimen collection, sample handling, data entry, word processing, and other common clerical duties.

Scheduling of hours may be changed, as company deems necessary.

Nature and Scope

Renown Regional Clinical Laboratory is a 24-hour/7-days a week operation, providing laboratory services to an inpatient and outpatient population of all ages.

The major challenge in this position is to organize the daily workload and complete tasks efficiently to provide the accuracy, speed, and care required to provide the diagnostic materials (slides, reports, special studies) to the pathologist(s) in a timely fashion to assist with the diagnosis and treatment. The understanding that histologic specimens are unique and of limited accessibility is paramount.

Incumbent ensures daily tasks are completed and any problems must be communicated to the pathologist(s) on duty and the Histology Supervisor. The areas of routine responsibility include the following:

• Processing tissues
• Cutting tissue sections
• Preparing and staining slides
• Performing special staining procedures
• Assisting the physician/pathologist when performing clinical procedures on patients
• Performing limited grossing responsibilities
• Performing immunohistochemical staining
• Review and sign‑off on competencies
• Write and review procedures in accordance with CAP guidelines
• Assisting the pathologist/pathology assistant with specimen grossing
• Perform special projects as assigned by Leader
• Training clinical laboratory histology technicians
• Follow autopsy protocols
• Receiving and logging specimens
• Specimen/record storage
• General clerical duties
• Problem solve

The incumbent must maintain technical knowledge and skills necessary to perform their daily work tasks. The incumbent must consider the age of the patient when assisting the pathologist/physician when performing clinical procedures on patients. Must be able to communicate with a diverse patient population and their family when performing special procedures. Positive customer service behavior is expected at all times.

Must be knowledgeable of and observe all safety requirements in the laboratory and hospital. A comprehensive knowledge must be maintained in all procedures for which performance is required. Competency in work related skills must be demonstrated annually.

Access specimens in the appropriate Laboratory Information System(s) and accesses the Hospital Information System to collect clinical and demographic information as required by policies and procedures. Maintains corporate compliance by observing and enforcing the related policies and procedures with emphasis on confidentiality.

This position does provide patient care.

Disclaimer

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

• Education: Must have working‑level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing and speaking English. Appropriate education to obtain and maintain Histotechnologist licensure in the State of Nevada based on licensure criteria.
• Experience: Previous experience as a Histotechnologist is preferred.
• License(s): Ability to obtain and maintain a State of Nevada Specialty Technician-Histotechnologist (NAC 652.433) license within 6 months from date of hire is required. General Supervisor licensure is also acceptable and will supersede the Specialist licensure.
• Certification(s): Requires a national certification as a HTL (Histotechnologist) (ASCP) OR HT (Histotechnician) (ASCP).
• Computer / Typing: Must possess, or be able to obtain within 90 days, the computer skills necessary to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.