Histotechnician

Position Objective:

Provides information for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease by preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Creates a work environment that positively promotes process improvement. Explores opportunities to add value to job (innovative ideas) to benefit the organization and taking ownership of the outcome. Proactively finds other work-related tasks during low census.
2. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Follows appropriate protocol for the handling and disposing of histological chemical stains and reagents.
3. Maintains inter- and intradepartmental work flow by fostering a spirit of cooperation (hand offs).
4. Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
5. Provides histology information by answering questions and requests. Documents technical information appropriately in the LIS.
6. Performs accessioning, embedding, sectioning, special stains, immunohistochemistry, and frozen sections, with appropriate supervision, if required, and within productivity guidelines with minimal errors. Performs grossing and dissection of small surgical biopsies (if qualified under CLIA regulations).
7. Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation. Performs preventative maintenance and troubleshoots problems to the full extent of ability.
8. Actively participate in the laboratory quality plan/program (ex. investigative reports, notification of delays, etc.). Performs quality controls and documents QC for each lab procedure on a daily basis and follows up on issues (troubleshoots).
9. Participates in external proficiency testing and in continuing education classes to maintain licensure and remain updated on changes in the histology field.
10. Participate in the training of new staff and students by serving as a mentor and technical resource.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

Required Minimum Education: 

Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university with course work sufficient to meet the requirements of the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) for certification as a Histotechnician, preferred; OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program; OR

High School diploma or equivalent AND two years of experience in embedding, microtomy and staining

Required Minimum Experience:

• One year of experience working in an acute care facility as a Histotechnician, preferred.

Required License/Certifications:  

• HT(ASCP), preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Ability to work cooperatively with all types of personalities both inside and outside the organization.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

Physical Demands – Medium Duty

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

updated 1/9/24