Surgical Pathology Technologist

Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus is seeking a Surgical Pathology Technologist to process and describe tissue specimens, prepare frozen sections for rapid diagnosis, and maintain accurate patient and specimen data.

The role requires independent medical judgment with minimal supervision, adherence to CLIA regulations, and upkeep of laboratory equipment and records. Day shifts, no weekends or holidays, with competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science or medical technology.
• If no bachelor’s, bachelor’s plus CLIA high‑complexity testing equivalence education.
• Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided; education will be verified.
• Education outside the United States requires translation and foreign equivalency proof (NACES).

Responsibilities

• Identify, measure, weigh and describe tissue specimens under the direction and supervision of the pathologist.
• Prepare frozen sections for rapid diagnosis and process specimens for processing.
• Receive tissue specimens, assign accession numbers, enter patient and specimen data, and ensure quality assurance documentation.
• Perform high‑complexity laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
• Maintain instruments and equipment per manufacturer specifications and safety practices.
• Adhere to quality control policies and document all QC activities and instrument calibrations.

Skills

Independent decision making

Laboratory testing

Quality control

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science

CLIA high‑complexity testing equivalence education

Job description

Join Cleveland Clinic's Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world-class, and caregivers are family. Cleveland Clinic is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation. At Cleveland Clinic, you will work alongside passionate and dedicated caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

As a Surgical Pathology Technologist, you will process, describe and dissect small tissue specimens requiring independent medical judgment and minimal supervision, prepare frozen section slides for rapid diagnosis, and discard tissue samples. A caregiver in this role will also perform data entry of patient and specimen information, perform general lab functions, and maintain laboratory equipment, supplies and records.

A caregiver in this position works days, 8:00am-4:30pm. No weekends or holidays.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

• Using independent medical judgment and minimal supervision, identify, measure, weigh and describe tissue specimens under the direction and supervision of the pathologist.
• Perform laboratory high complexity laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Perform laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
• Maintain regulatory knowledge and awareness as it pertains to specific job duties.
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies and document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Assume responsibility for and act regarding any quality control or quality assurance issues as it pertains to specific job duties.
• Maintain instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
• Assume responsibility for good documentation practices and maintain clear and legible records.
• Perform proficiency testing in compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations (i.e. analyze proficiency survey sample in the same manner as a patient specimen, no communication with other CLIA laboratories, complete record retention and accurate documentation and result reporting, etc.).
• Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor, Clinical Consultant, or Laboratory Director.
• Recommend solutions and improvements
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Process special tissue studies per protocol (i.e., muscle, nerve, kidney or lymphoma).
• Prepare frozen sections for rapid diagnosis and prepare specimens for processing.
• Receive tissue specimens, assign accession numbers, distribute per protocol, perform patient and specimen data entry, and complete quality assurance documentation for requisition, specimen, and processing problems.
• Perform radiographs of gross specimens.
• Prepare specimens for storage, transport and process specimens, and maintain specimen records.
• Assist with the instruction of residents, visiting physicians, tech trainees and new caregivers regarding surgical pathology techniques and procedures.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Bachelor's Degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution
• OR Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university AND have education and training equivalent to high complexity testing personnel per CLIA
• Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided
• Education will be verified
• Education outside of the United States requires diploma/transcripts translated into English and proof of foreign equivalency from a NACES (National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc) member

Physical Requirements:

• Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity required when handling gross specimens and utilizing instrumentation, ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous and other hazardous materials to which they may be regularly exposed.
• Visual acuity to study specimens under a microscope.
• The ability to distinguish colors.
• Typical physical demands include ability to sit or stand extensively and frequent walking, occasional lifting or carrying of 5 to 40 pounds.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

• Minimum hourly: $34.00
• Maximum hourly: $45.65

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).