Histotechnologist

Job Summary

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Conducts neuro-histology and neuro-immunohistochemistry techniques on human tissue.

General Responsibilities

• Prepares tissue specimens for paraffin sectioning, frozen sections, or other appropriate methods for diagnostic, teaching, and research. Prepares human and animal tissue for high complexity testing, as well as, microtomy which involves fixation, dehydration, processing, decalcification, embedding, glycol methacrylates, enzyme histochemical staining, biochemistry staining, and machine maintenance.
• Performs routine and specialized sectioning and cutting of tissue, non-standard size sectioning and cutting of tissue and tissue blocks, preparation of slides, routine and developmental histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, and electron microscopy.
• Receives and logs cases, organizes and stores fixed and frozen tissue, and prepares and maintains reagents. Change or modify procedures to demonstrate specific cellular or tissue components of diagnostic importance.
• Assists employees and students with the selection of specific staining techniques for diagnostic purposes and provide technical advice and information as needed.
• Solves problems with, resolves, and works through abnormal findings or issues found and reported by the lower histotech positions. Assist in researching and developing new procedures and techniques for diagnostic purposes.
• Trains and educates new employees and students on standard operation procedures and laboratory protocol using histotechnologist management theories and educational methodologies. Maintains guidelines and standard operating procedures, regulatory compliance, and quality control. Produces letters and documentation.

Qualifications

This position is posted at a Histotechnologist - Mastery Career Level but may be filled at a Histotechnician - Intermediate Career Level depending on the candidate's qualifications. Although they will be similar, the duties and responsibilities may differ if filled at the lower rank. Please see the qualifications for each level listed below.

Mastery Career Level Requirements

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Associate's degree in medical technology plus American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP) certification OR in related science plus 8 years

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology plus 3 years of applicable experience OR
• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related science plus 4 years of applicable experience

WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• Previous experience conducting neurohistology and neuroimmunohistochemistry techniques on human tissue.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Required

• Histotechnologist (HTL) Certification Certified by ASCP as a Histotechnologist Upon Date of Hire

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to build strong customer relationships

Intermediate Career Level Requirements

EDUCATION

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Required

• Certified Histotechnician Certified by ASCP Upon Date of Hire

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
• Highly thorough and dependable

Working Conditions / Demands

The role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. The role frequently requires the ability to move about the work environment and to position oneself to operate laboratory equipment effectively. The role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds and will occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

During the interview process, candidates will complete a hands-on assessment to demonstrate proficiency in key laboratory techniques.