Mohs Medical Assistant / Histotech

Multi-Site Dermatology Group Seeks Per Diem Mohs Histotech

Optima Dermatology is recruiting an experienced Mohs Histotech to join our growing Dermatology group in Milford, OH.

Location: 5817 Happy Hollow Rd, Milford, OH 45150

Position Details

We are seeking a hard-working, energetic, and optimistic teammate to join us as a Mohs Medical Assistant / Histotech! Join our amazing team that values each individual employee for their unique gifts and talents in a family-feel environment. We support each other in perfecting our skills and highly value cross-training.

Position Overview

The Mohs Medical Assistant / Mohs Histotech provides clinical support to the Mohs surgical team, with the primary focus on Medical Assistant responsibilities and patient care. This role also provides histotechnology support as needed, including the preparation, processing, and staining of frozen tissue specimens for review by the Mohs surgeon.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable working in a fast-paced surgical environment, and able to balance patient-facing responsibilities with technical laboratory duties. Prior dermatology and Mohs experience is preferred, and candidates must meet the educational or training requirements necessary for histotech responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Clinical & Surgical Support

• Escort patients to exam rooms, verify reason for visit, and obtain vital signs and medical histories.
• Prepare exam and procedure rooms before and between patients; restock supplies and maintain a clean, organized environment.
• Assist the Mohs surgeon with procedures, including sterile tray setup, specimen handling, hemostasis, suture removal, and wound care.
• Administer local anesthesia as directed and within the scope of applicable licensure/certification.
• Provide patients with pre- and post-operative instructions and reinforce provider recommendations.
• Assist with patient flow and other clinical duties as needed to support efficient daily operations.
• Maintain appropriate infection prevention, sterilization, and safety practices.
• Handle infectious and regulated medical waste according to established policies and procedures.

Histotechnology & Laboratory Support

• Prepare Mohs tissue specimens for microscopic examination by embedding, freezing, sectioning, staining, and mounting frozen tissue specimens.
• Operate cryostats, stain equipment, and other laboratory instrumentation safely and accurately.
• Mount, label, organize, and distribute prepared slides to the Mohs surgeon for review.
• Maintain appropriate documentation, quality control records, and laboratory logs.
• Replace reagents and perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation.
• File surgical slides and maintain organized specimen and slide storage.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.
• Assist with maintaining CLIA requirements and appropriate laboratory documentation in cooperation with Optima's Director of Training and Compliance.
• Follow OSHA, CLIA, bloodborne pathogen, chemical hygiene, and other applicable laboratory safety requirements.
• Safely handle potentially hazardous, carcinogenic, odorous, and other substances associated with histology and laboratory procedures.
• Perform histotechnology responsibilities as needed based on clinic volume and operational needs.

Clinical Documentation & Patient Support

• Document patient encounters, procedures, and other required information accurately in the EMR.
• Complete required forms, lab requisitions, and surgical documentation.
• Prepare specimens for in-house or external laboratory processing as needed.
• Assist with diagnostic testing, referrals, and related provider communication.
• Communicate with pharmacies and insurance companies regarding prescription authorizations and pre-certifications as directed.
• Assist with phone triage and patient consultations as directed by the provider.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism in all patient interactions.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain appropriate inventory of clinical and laboratory supplies, including monitoring expiration dates and reordering supplies as needed.
• Communicate effectively with providers and office management regarding patient care and clinic operations.
• Work collaboratively with the surgical and clinical team to support an efficient patient experience.
• Follow standard precautions and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Licensed or certified Medical Assistant; nursing degree or other applicable clinical education may also be considered.
• Minimum of one year of medical assistant experience; dermatology experience strongly preferred.
• Prior Mohs experience preferred.
• Experience with Modernizing Medicine / EMA EMR highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform patient intake, vital signs, injections/local anesthesia support, clinical documentation, exam room preparation, sterile techniques, specimen handling, and routine clinical procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish rapport with patients, families, providers, and coworkers.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately handle patient information, specimens, slides, and laboratory documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, highly technical, and surgical environment.
• Critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently with appropriate direction.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, bloodborne pathogens, standard precautions, and chemical safety preferred.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to safely handle specimens, slides, cryostat equipment, and other laboratory instrumentation.

Histotechnology Requirements

Because this position includes histotechnology responsibilities, candidates must meet the applicable educational or training requirements for performing these duties. Candidates must have one of the following:

• Associate degree in a laboratory science; or
• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in a scientific field such as biology, chemistry, clinical science, laboratory science, or medical technology; or
• No degree, but equivalent laboratory training that includes: At least 60 hours of science or medical technology coursework; and At least three months of on-the-job laboratory training or certification from an accredited program; or
• Current or former military experience as a Medical Laboratory Specialist / Laboratory Technician.

Prior hands-on histology or laboratory experience is preferred but not required if the candidate meets the applicable educational/training requirements and is eligible for cross-training.

Work Environment

This position works in a clinical and surgical environment and requires the ability to transition between direct patient care and technical laboratory responsibilities. The role may involve exposure to blood and bodily fluids, chemicals, potentially carcinogenic substances, odors, and other materials associated with Mohs surgery and histology. Appropriate training and personal protective equipment will be provided and required.

Responsibilities

The following is an overview of the essential job functions and responsibilities, this may not be an all-encompassing list:

• Embed, cut, stain, and mount frozen tissue specimens following established policies, procedures, and laboratory standards
• Mounts, labels and distributes prepared microscope slides to Mohs surgeon
• Replaces reagents and performs daily maintenance and automated instrumentation and assist in overall maintenance of lab and equipment
• Files surgical slides for storage
• Documents and quality control slides
• Preparing surgery suites and assist surgeon through the procedures as needed
• Manage and maintain CLIA certification and appropriate logs in cooperation with Optima's Director of Training and Compliance
• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and bloodborne pathogens
• Knowledge and understanding of technical aspects in the areas of histology, laboratory techniques, and quality control
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with peers, physicians, and patients
• Prior hands on laboratory experience preferred.
• Prior dermatology experience is a plus, Mohs experience preferred
• Prior EMR experience
• Critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, ability to work with minimal supervision
• Must be able