Job Summary:

The Histology Technician will perform the various tasks required for receiving, processing, and preparing patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist. This may include logging, batching, and cutting, mounting and staining procedures. Tissue specimens received from surgery or other out-line facilities are prioritized according to the standards required.

The Histology Tech-1 will coordinate daily workflow of tasks and activities in the histology area assigned duties such as supervised tissue embedding, cover slipping and matching blocks with slide preparation.

Performance Expectations

Performance expectations will be covered in the orientation and preceptor phases of your orientation of your job.

• Retrieves specimens from the Surgery Department
• Receives specimens for other cases when delivered to the Laboratory
• Sorts specimens according to priority and difficulty of procedures and record accordingly
• Embeds specimens into blocks and fixes tissue in formalin under supervision
• Operates instrumentation for tissue dehydration, section clearing, impregnation with paraffin, cutting tissue sections, and staining of slides
• Prepares solutions, stains, and reagents in accordance with standards written procedures
• Operates and maintains all histology area lab equipment in proper state of readiness and cleanliness
• Verifying proper identification and label of tissue blocks
• Performs and monitors inventory of supplies, equipment, and reagents used, and places orders for replacements as required
• Assists the Pathologist in gross examination of surgical specimens and in frozen section procedures
• Is capable of performing all routine and special procedures which may include but is not limited such as Bone Marrow Procedures
• Performs other duties as requested by supervisors
• Performs with a minimum of errors- works neatly and with accuracy regardless of volume of work
• Shows willingness to assist other laboratory personnel when requested
• Shows willingness to assist other laboratory personnel as workload permits without being requested to do so
• Organizes work for effective utilization of time
• Able to determine priorities when organizing daily assignments
• Daily workload indicates good use of time
• Seeks assistance when necessary from Histology Technologist Team leader or Supervisor
• Shows ability to handle unexpected situations and is able to exercise independent thought and action
• Utilizes supplies in non-wasteful manner
• Observes confidentiality, both with patient information and co-workers
• Maintains good interpersonal relationships with co-workers and with people in general
• Capable of performing a variety of tasks within the scope of job duties
• Accepts accountability for actions
• Assumes responsibility for own behavior
• Able to recognize the importance of hospital policy
• Accepts and follows hospital policy
• Can be counted on to carry out instructions and fulfill job responsibilities
• Can be counted on to report to work as scheduled
• Accepts responsibility for an becomes available for overtime when workload requires
• Accepts responsibility for and becomes available to work a different shift when workload or conditions warrant it

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

Must be eligible for ASCP Board of Registry with a two-year associate of science degree or a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, including 12 semester-hours (or 18 quarter-hours) of chemistry and biology.

Work Experience:

At least 5 years of clinical experience in a hospital or healthcare clinic.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Mental Demands:

Ability to prioritize and organize tasks, communicate effectively, cooperate with others, perform test

procedures, quality control procedures, and report results, perform repetitive tasks and follow directions

precisely and solve problems.