Part-time Surgical Pathology Technician

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Surgical Pathology Technician to perform gross examination and description of gross-only specimens and small biopsies under the direction of a Pathologist. This part-time role requires two years of lab experience and a BST/medical tech background, with emphasis on accuracy and patient safety.

The position supports a dynamic pathology team, adheres to HIPAA and lab safety standards, and involves detailed record-keeping and collaboration across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or related lab science is required.
• Two years of experience in a surgical pathology lab is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality control and good laboratory practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination and description of gross specimens.
• Document gross findings and ensure specimen integrity.
• Photograph specimens for documentation when needed.
• Coordinate with Pathologists and care team to prioritize tasks.

Skills

English proficiency

Gross examination

Laboratory knowledge

Safety procedures

Communication

Microsoft Office

LIS systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology/clinical laboratory science

Tools

LIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work Schedule: Part Time, 20 hours per week.

At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Pathology Technician position is responsible for working under the direction of a Pathologist, performing the gross examination and description of gross-only specimens and surgical biopsy specimens (not requiring dissection or sectioning). This position reports to appropriate HM entity management.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience working in a surgical pathology laboratory

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Knowledge of current laboratory principles and procedures used in gross tissue examination
• Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory theory, technique, and testing related to anatomic pathology
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and record-keeping procedures which constitute good laboratory practice, and which comply with regulations imposed by outside agencies such as College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Microsoft Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs tissue triage, gross examination of gross only specimens and small biopsies (not requiring dissection or sectioning), and documentation (grossing) for any, and all simple biopsy types while ensuring specimen integrity (i.e., preventing tissue death/degradation).
• Photographs specimens for documentation and, at the discretion of the medical director, may maintain the photography database.
• Organizes own workload and sets priorities under direction of the Pathologist. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Dictates accurate and precise gross descriptions for small biopsy and gross only specimens.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security, emergency preparedness and HIPAA.
• Processes, triages, orders, labels (e.g. slides, cassettes) and transports specimens for testing.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience working in a surgical pathology laboratory

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital is committed to leading medicine in Clear Lake and surrounding communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of exceptional safety, quality, service and innovation. Houston Methodist Clear Lake provides a broad spectrum of adult, pediatric, medical and surgical care. It is an accredited chest pain center and acute stroke-ready designated through DNV. Houston Methodist Clear Lake offers advanced inpatient and outpatient services, including state-of-the-art imaging; childbirth center with a level II neonatal intensive care unit; minimally invasive surgery; cancer center; neurology and spine care; heart and vascular care; bariatric and digestive care; emergency care; primary care; rehabilitation services; and comprehensive orthopedics and sports medicine.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.