Histotechnician/Histotechnologist

:

Summary

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Processes specimens for analysis and performs specified laboratory procedures under the supervision of the Anatomic Laboratory Manager and Anatomic Laboratory Assistant Manager. Performs all histology procedures including quality control and instrument maintenance.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Completes cases for pathologists in a timely fashion, following stated guidelines and methodologies.

3. *Stains slides of specimens to enhance visibility under microscope.

4. *Accurately embeds surgical specimens in a timely effective manner with high quality.

5. *Sections surgical paraffin block tissue utilizing a microtome in a timely effective manner with high quality.

6. *Operates, rotates and cleans laboratory equipment (i.e.. microtomes, tissue processors, recyclers, HE stainers, immunohistochemistry stainers, etc.).

7. *Performs stains and quality control on special stains and immunohistochemistry stains.

8. *Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

9. *Studies slides under a microscope to detect deviations of technical and stain quality and report abnormalities for further study to the Anatomic Laboratory Assistant Manager or a pathologist.

10. Assists in departmental troubleshooting under guidance of Anatomic Laboratory Assistant Manager.

11. Ability to work independently and is cross-trained in all areas of histology surgical department.

12. Competently reviews and completes breast cancer tumor registry.

13. Works collaboratively with all laboratory staff to ensure completion of testing and communication of necessary information to assist testing completion.

14. Assists in coaching/mentoring new employees as assigned or needed.

15. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

16. Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.

17. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk *. Refer to the Guide for the definition of essential and non-essential job functions.) Attach Addendum for positions with slightly different roles or work-specific differences as needed.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patients growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.

2. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

3. Ability to work independently.

4. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

5. Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.

7. Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.

8. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

9. Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.

10. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education and training must meet or exceed the CLIA standards for High Complexity Testing equivalent to 60 semester hours from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses or 24 semester hours of science courses that include:

* Six (6) semester hours of chemistry

* Six (6) semester hours of biology

* Twelve (12) additional semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology courses in any combination.

Bachelor degree in Life Sciences preferred, or successful completion of a formally recognized Histotechnican training program.

One (1) year recent work experience in a histology laboratory required.

Member in good standing with the American Society of Clinical Pathology required.

OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:

Histotechnician (HT) Certified required.

Maintains twelve (12) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20-50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Must be able to distinguish and discriminate between colors.