Histotechnologist - Pathology

Health First; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Melbourne, Florida is seeking a Histotechnologist to conduct high-quality laboratory preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic examination. The ideal applicant will possess a High School Diploma or equivalent and be licensed in Florida as a Histotechnologist. Responsibilities include histology testing, compliance with lab procedures, and maintaining quality control. Strong communication, critical thinking, and proficiency in computer applications are essential for this role. The position may require weekend shifts and on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Willing and able to work with biohazardous/toxic materials following OSHA guidelines.
• Must be able to work weekends and take calls with a 30-minute response time.
• Work autonomously with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform histology testing of various complexities in a timely manner.
• Accurately embed tissue according to industry standards.
• Maintain daily quality control logs and other required documentation.

Skills

Critical thinking

Prioritization

Communication skills (written and verbal in English)

Proficient in required computer applications

Education

Highschool Diploma or equivalent

Associate of Science Degree in histology or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Histotechnologist (HTL) is fully engaged in performing efficient and high-quality laboratory preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic examination by the pathologists, which may include, but is not limited to tissue gross assist, frozen sections, processing, embedding, and staining (routine, special and immunohistochemistry). Prepares tissue specimens and performs histological procedures.

Primary Accountabilities

• Performs histology testing of various complexities, in a timely and efficient manner using various laboratory equipment or via manual method. Accurately embed tissue according to industry standards or established policies / procedures outlined by Health First.
• Complies with all Health First, HF Laboratory policies and procedures, along with all pertinent federal and state accreditation agency requirements.
• Shows commitment in meeting departmental goals, and to continuously improve performance improvement metrics.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills pertinent to job performance. Shows competency in use various electronic medical record (EMR) applications used for patient records & results as established by laboratory procedures.
• Demonstrates the appropriate skill sets as determined by the Annual Competency Assessments.
• Availability to meet departmental staffing demands and demonstrates effective time management.
• Produce high-quality tissue sections in an expedient and consistent manner.
• Communicates effectively within the laboratory, external clinical departments, other healthcare professionals, clients, and customers. Observes AIDET in customer communication. Reports issues & departmental needs supervisor.
• Prepare solutions and reagents for special stain procedures. Obtain and validate tissue used in special stains. Perform all special stain procedures. May prepare solutions and reagents for immunohistochemistry procedures. Perform routine, special, and immunohistochemistry staining. Maintain accurate patient identification throughout all workflows.
• Perform daily quality control of slides for overall quality of preparation, including but not limited to staining intensity and artifacts. Maintain daily quality control logs and other required documentation. Maintain equipment and instruments in good operating condition; acknowledge malfunctions, troubleshoot, and notifies supervisor.
• Cross trains in other departments within the laboratory or performs other lab-related tasks as directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Highschool Diploma or equivalent.
• Work Experience: One (1) year laboratory experience.
• Licensure: State of Florida Histotechnologist (HTL) Licensure.
• Certification: None
• Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:
  • Willing and able to work with biohazardous/toxic materials following OSHA guidelines.
  • Must be able to work weekends and take calls (30-minute response time required).
  • Proficient in required computer applications.
  • Work autonomously with minimal supervision.
  • Strong skills in critical thinking, prioritization and organization of tasks, communication skills (written and verbal in English).

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Associate of Science Degree in histology or any related field as outlined by CLIA.
• Work Experience: One (1) year experience as a histology technologist.
• Certification: HT or HTL (ASCP) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Physical Requirements

• Must pass color blindness test.
• Majority of time involves sitting or standing; occasional walking, bending, stooping.
• Long periods of computer time or at workstation.
• Light work that may include lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds with or without assistance.
• May be exposed to inside environments with varied temperatures, air quality, lighting and/or low to moderate noise.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks.
• May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.

Benefits

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.

About Health First

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.