Histology Technician I

Histology Technician IA leading healthcare organization is seeking a Histology Technician I to join its Pathology Laboratory team in Peoria, Illinois.The Histology Technician will prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, with primary responsibilities including embedding and microtomy. Depending on experience and competency, the technologist may also assist with special stains, frozen sections, reagent preparation, quality assurance, and other histology procedures.This is an excellent opportunity for either an experienced Histology Technician or a qualified new graduate looking to develop specialized skills in a dedicated hospital-based histology laboratory.Responsibilities include:Prepare fixed and frozen tissue specimens for microscopic examinationEmbed tissue specimens according to established laboratory protocolsCut tissue sections using microtomy techniquesFloat and mount tissue sections onto glass slidesPerform staining procedures and special stains based on training and competencyEvaluate staining quality and recognize technical issues requiring correctionReceive, identify, log, and release tissue specimens according to laboratory proceduresVerify patient and specimen information for accuracyAssist pathologists with gross examinations and specimen preparation as assignedAssist with autopsy-related specimen preparation when neededPrepare laboratory reagents and solutions according to established formulas and proceduresMaintain appropriate quantities of reagents and laboratory suppliesCatalogue, organize, and file pathology slidesPrepare specimens for outside consultation and process returned resultsPerform routine maintenance on histology instruments and equipmentDocument equipment maintenance and quality-assurance activitiesMaintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environmentFollow universal blood and body-fluid precautions and chemical safety proceduresParticipate in laboratory quality-improvement initiativesAssist with training students, laboratory assistants, and new employees as assignedMaintain knowledge of current histology practices, techniques, and laboratory standardsRequired qualifications include:Associate degree in a science-related fieldEligibility to meet applicable histotechnology education and certification requirementsCompletion of, or ability to complete, a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program as requiredASCP Histotechnician certification, or ability to obtain certification within one year of employmentStrong attention to detail and commitment to specimen accuracyKnowledge of laboratory safety and infection-control proceduresStrong organizational and analytical skillsAbility to work effectively with pathologists, technologists, laboratory assistants, and other clinical personnelAbility to work the assigned daytime schedule and rotating Saturday coveragePreferred qualifications include:Bachelor's degree in a science-related fieldCurrent ASCP Histotechnician certificationCompletion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology programOne or more years of Histology Technician experienceExperience with tissue embedding and microtomyExperience performing special stainsPrevious hospital pathology or histology laboratory experienceQualified new graduates may be considered.The Histology laboratory includes approximately:22 Histology Technicians7 Laboratory AssistantsDedicated Histology testing and specimen preparationThe primary workload for this position consists of tissue cutting and embedding, with opportunities to perform special stains depending on experience and equipment competency.Schedule information includes:Approximately 20 hours per weekFive 8-hour shifts every two weeksDay shift: 7:00 AM–3:30 PMApproximately one Saturday morning per monthWhen scheduled on Saturday, an available weekday off is provided during the same workweekNo routine on-call requirementHoliday coverage is uncommon; when required, applicable premium pay may applyBenefits and incentives include:Sign-on bonus options:$2,500 with a one-year commitment$5,000 with a two-year commitment$10,000 with a three-year commitmentCompetitive hourly compensation$2.50 per hour weekend differentialHealth and wellness benefits based on eligibilityRetirement savings programsPaid time off based on employment statusContinuing-education and professional-development opportunitiesSupport toward required Histology certificationCareer advancement opportunities within Laboratory and Pathology ServicesIf you are a Histology Technician—or a new graduate beginning your histology career—who takes pride in precision, specimen quality, and supporting accurate pathology diagnosis, we would love to hear from you.