"Histotechnologist"

Histotechnologist

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Pathology

Job Title: Health Care Professional Entry, Histotechnologist

Position: #00806741 - Requisition: #28912

Job Summary:

Nature of Work:

The Histotechnologist position is responsible for processing all specimens received in the Histology laboratory under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and in solving routine problems. Histotechnologists contribute to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost-effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of preparing and Histological processing of all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. The Histotechnologist receives all histology specimens and processes them using various methodologies, complex machinery, and staining systems. The Histotechnologist will then prepare the slides for Pathologist review by cutting prepared blocks of tissue utilizing complex machinery. Histotechnologists are then responsible for appropriately staining the slides whether with routine, special or immunohistochemical stains. Throughout this process the Histotechnologist is responsible for labeling, entering, and tracking the progress of the specimen until it reaches the Pathologist for diagnosis. This is extremely important in overall patient care. Inappropriate processing lost specimens or incorrectly labeled specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses which can cause repeat procedures or life-threatening treatment choices. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. The position is also responsible for the maintenance of the histology area by maintaining inventory and supplies, cleaning and organizing of workstations, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures.

This Histotechnologist will participate in the management of the histology area by maintaining inventory of supplies, cleaning and organizing of work, stations, disposal of biological waste, and adherence to all compliance and operational procedures. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and in solving routine problems. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills where customer service and responsibility to patient care is the priority.

Additional duties include documentation per CAP guidelines, communication with pathologists/residents and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. This is not a supervisory position. However, this position will demonstrate communication of all problems and concerns to the Lead Histotechnologist and/or pertinent superiors. If there are no superiors present at the time, the employee shall handle the situation and immediately inform the Lead Histotechnologist upon arrival of the corrective actions taken.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Determines appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens, and priorities on requested procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment with precision for all histological protocols.
• Performs complex staining techniques and demonstrates competency with immunohistochemical procedures to include in situ hybridization reactions.
• Performs computer data entry, recall, and labeling on complex pathology network (LIS).
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all lab equipment.
• Prepares and examine solutions for contamination, impurities, or instability.
• Follows procedures on all lab tests.
• Examines microscopically all stained slides and controls to determine accuracy of the last test and make modifications to the procedures as needed.
• Retrieves and stores specimens properly for long term storage.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards, to include all check sheets and quality control information sheets.
• Maintains archived Histological slides and blocks.
• Performs all procedures in a timely manner.
• Answer laboratory phone properly and take information correctly.
• Assists in the ordering of laboratory supplies to maintain proper inventory.
• Knowledgeable of all lab procedures and specimen submission requirements.
• Understand and use proper safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complete all UCD required training and compliance courses.

Why Join Us:

Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver. Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate school and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine. Our faculty and staff are diverse, and gender balanced, with women comprising 50% of our residents, Assistant, Associate and Full Professors (including those with tenure).

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in biological health or social science or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of experience working in a clinical histology lab.
• Histotechnician or Histotechnologist Certification (HTL, ASCP), or eligible for certification.

A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of experience in a clinical histology lab.
• Immunohistochemistry Certification (QIHC, ASCP).
• Experience using laboratory equipment such as complex machinery and staining systems.
• Experience calculating lab results and data using math and analytical skills.
• Experience using MS Word and Excel. Preferred experience will include developing reports, spreadsheets, and databases using the mentioned software programs.
• Experience entering data into an electronic system.
• Experience with medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology.
• Experience purchasing and maintaining lab supplies.
• Experience cleaning and maintaining laboratories and lab equipment.
• Experience working within an educational medical lab environment in laboratories.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Highly motivated individual looking to pursue a long-term career in histology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills where customer service and responsibility to patient care is the priority.
• Self-starter that demonstrates the ability to work individually with minimal supervision as well as part of a team of technologists, show proficiency at solving complex problems, and exhibit excellent computer skills (all Microsoft products and preferably QuickBooks).
• Willing and capable of learning new techniques relating to histology and molecular pathology.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to establish rapport with persons of diverse backgrounds which also includes experience working with students, staff, and faculty, within a higher education and/or academic medical environment.
• Ability to interpret complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to listen and follow precise protocols and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload, file correctly by alphabetical and numerical order.
• Must possess a professional demeanor and have experience that demonstrates problem solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner and possess excellent time management, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to take direction and use independent judgment to coordinate and meet multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and security compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

Conditions of Employment:

Must be willing and able to:

• Lift, push, and/or pull up to 20 lbs.
• Work in an environment that may expose you to fumes, chemicals, liquid nitrogen, extreme cold, blood/body fluids, and infectious disease.
• Frequently wash your hands, as biohazardous materials may be present.
• Sit and stand for long periods of time, frequently walk, and bend/stoop, as well as execute repetitive motions.
• Work with complex and sharp laboratory equipment, and various chemical and biological solutions.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment when handling biological samples and hazardous chemicals.
• Work within a high-level secured facility.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (*or hiring range*) for this position has been established as $55,075 - $70,056.

Job Category: Health Care Primary Location: Aurora Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20112 - SOM-Pathology Schedule: Full-time Posting Date: Feb 3, 2023 Unposting Date: Ongoing