Histology Technician

Schedule: Monday-Friday 6:00am-2:30pm

The Histology Technician is responsible for receiving, processing, and preparing patient tissue specimens for microscopic examination by the Pathologist. Duties include logging, batching, cutting, mounting, and staining tissue samples. Specimens are prioritized and handled according to established standards to ensure accuracy and timely analysis. In addition to core responsibilities, the technician may also assist with other ancillary laboratory tasks as needed, based on operational demands, individual skills, and professional interests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen Handling: Accurately receive, identify, and log tissue specimens, ensuring proper labeling and prioritization according to clinical urgency and protocol.

• Tissue Processing: Perform embedding, microtomy, and staining of tissue samples using manual and automated techniques to produce high-quality slides for microscopic evaluation.

• Equipment Operation: Operate, calibrate, and maintain histology instruments and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.

• Reagent and Solution Preparation: Prepare and manage stains, reagents, and fixatives in accordance with laboratory protocols and quality standards.

• Quality Assurance: Monitor slide quality, staining consistency, and specimen integrity; troubleshoot and resolve technical issues to maintain diagnostic accuracy.

• Inventory Management: Track and replenish laboratory supplies and reagents; assist in managing inventory to support uninterrupted workflow.

• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate records of procedures, quality control data, and equipment maintenance; adhere to regulatory and institutional guidelines.

• Collaboration and Support: Assist pathologists by responding to requests and questions related to specimen handling, slide preparation, and laboratory procedures; provide timely and accurate support to ensure smooth workflow and diagnostic efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement: Participate in training, competency assessments, and continuing education to stay current with histology practices and innovations.

• Safety and Protocol Adherence: Follow all laboratory safety procedures, including biohazard handling, chemical safety, and infection control protocols.

Education:

• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program within the last five years

OR

• 60 Semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree AND 1 full year of full time acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in histopathology laboratory in the US or Canada within he last five years OR completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least nine months that include both classroom (didactic) training and a minimum od 480 hours of acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last 5 years.

OR

• 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), OR an associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree, AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military histotechnician training course within the last ten years.

Certification:

• Certification as a Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

• Certification must be current and in good standing

Experience / Abilities:

• Spatial ability is required to perceive three-dimensional and geometric relationships when cutting paraffin blocks and making embedding molds

• Finger dexterity required to manipulate the micro-thin tissue sections and to mount onto microscopic slides

• Color discrimination required to verify diagnostic quality of staining processes in order that essential features of tissue sections can be properly defined

• Requires thorough understanding of all aspects of the Histology area

• Demonstrates a high degree of integrity