PATHOLOGY TECHNICIAN

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Pension Plan

Paid Holidays

Veterans Preference

Job summary

Cook County Health is seeking a Pathology Technician to support Anatomic Pathology, including gross room, histology and cytology operations under leadership direction. Responsibilities include accessioning, specimen processing, slide preparation, and communication with pathologists and staff.

Typical duties cover matching requisitions, processing orders, labeling, slide preparation, and documentation. Requires an associate degree with cytology/histology experience and strong attention to detail

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a scientific field with 1 year of cytology, histology, gross room or Morgue experience.
• Or an Associate’s degree in a scientific field with 3 years in a clinical laboratory and/or pathology (proof at interview).

Responsibilities

• Match order requisitions and specimens for patient identification.
• Retrieve specimens for processing and prepare slides.
• Label specimens, slides, and worksheets accurately.
• Prepare slides for microscopic review and document case status.
• Monitor and document temperature, humidity, and equipment status.
• Maintain manual and electronic records and escalate discrepancies.
• Assist with autopsy-related duties and morgue/investigation tasks.
• Adhere to lab safety practices and SOPs.

Skills

Lab procedures

Anatomic pathology knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate's degree in science

3+ years clinical lab/pathology experience

Job description

Location:JOHN H. STROGER, JR. HOSPITAL

Department: Pathology

Shift: 7:00am - 3:00pm

Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

Job Summary

The Pathology Technician provides services in Anatomic Pathology under the supervision and general direction of the Anatomic Pathology Leadership, as assigned. The Pathology Technician provides support to the Gross room, Histology and Cytology laboratory related to accessioning, specimen processing and routine preparation of microscopic slides. This position is responsible for accurate processing, documenting, and communication of issues with pathologists, residents, and other staff.

Typical Duties

• Assesses the order requisition forms and specimens to match for patient identification
• Retrieves specimens for processes.
• Processes orders electronically and/or manually.
• Accurately labels specimens, slides, and worksheets.
• Prepares slides for microscopic review.
• Correlates paperwork with specimens and submits to staff.
• Documents specimen tracking information.
• Reconciles pending file, and orders while monitoring work distribution, including paraffin blocks and cassettes.
• Prepares documents, processes specimens and slides for send outs.
• Logs temperature and humidity, troubleshoots, and informs the supervisor of occurrences.
• Documents consistently and legibly. Maintains manual and electronic records for easy retrieval of data. Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies.
• Answers inquiries related to blocks, slides, and case status.
• Assists with case consults.
• Remains current with best lab safety practices including working with Cryostats, Centrifuges, Cytospins, specimen processors, automated stainers and cover slipper, etc.
• Aliquots specimens including those for virology and molecular testing.
• Escalates any equipment or instrument malfunctions.
• Monitors laboratory inventory to maintain supply levels.
• Attends and participates in Safety and Infection Control activities, as requested.
• Reports to the Anatomic Pathology Leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Gross And Morgue Duties, When Assigned

• Works with admissions and bed control to initiate autopsy requests
• Assists with autopsy by recording, documenting, filing pictures for autopsy and surgical pathology specimens

Histology Duties, When Assigned

• Performs decalcification
• Processes blocks for molecular and genetic testing

Cytology Duties, When Assigned

• Accessions and processes gynecological and on-gynecological specimens

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a scientific field from an accredited college or university with one (1) year of experience in cytology, histology, gross room or morgue
• OR
• Associate’s degree or higher in a scientific field from an accredited college or university with three (3) years of experience in clinical laboratory and/or pathology is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview).

Preferred Qualifications

• For morgue – experience as an autopsy technician or work experience in a funeral home, morgue, body transport service, or Medical Examiner’s/Coroner’s office
• Experience in a morgue environment which requires physical proximity to deceased human remains and exposure to unpleasant sights, smells, blood and other body fluids

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of standard laboratory operating procedures
• Basic knowledge of human anatomy and standard autopsy procedures
• Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to handle confidential information

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To Take Advantage Of This Preference a Veteranmust

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of theirDD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22(Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11).Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

• A copy of avalid State ID Card or Driver’s Licensewhich identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 100% Tuition reimbursement for nursing-related programs

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING

• Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must bepresented at time of interview. *

• Please note all offers of employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

• CCHHS isstrictlyprohibitedfromconditioning,basingor knowinglyprejudicingor affectinganytermoraspectofCountyemploymentorhiringuponorbecauseofany politicalreasonorfactor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Job Posting

Oct 23, 2026, 11:50:37 PM

Collective Bargaining Unit

SEIU 73 HLT HOSP TECHNICIANS

Organization

Health and Hospital Systems