CERTIFIED HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN

The Histology Technician at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. This role involves processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissue samples in accordance with established laboratory protocols. The Histology Technician ensures the accuracy and quality of histological preparations and plays a critical role in supporting the diagnostic process. Attention to detail, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to work efficiently are essential for success in this role. Works under the general supervision of the Pathologist.

Essential Duties:

• Tissue Processing: Prepare tissue specimens by processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining to produce high-quality slides for microscopic examination. Prepare tissue sections for immediate examination using rapid tissue processing and frozen section technique to freeze, cut, mount and stain tissue.
• Slide Preparation: Accurately prepare and label slides, maintaining detailed records for each specimen to ensure traceability and compliance with protocols.
• Quality Control: Conduct routine quality control checks on prepared slides to ensure consistency and accuracy of histological preparations, identifying and addressing any issues.
• Equipment Operation: Operate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot histology laboratory equipment, ensuring all instruments are in proper working condition.
• Specimen Handling: Receive specimens/tissues from procedures, operating rooms, diagnostic locations, and/or from autopsy. Safely handle and store tissue samples, adhering to all safety and biohazard regulations. Prepare specimens, blocks, slides, and reports for send out/shipping as needed for consultations. Participate in regular training on packaging, shipping, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of all procedures in the laboratory information system (LIS), including order entry, specimen accessioning and tracking, processing steps, and any deviations from standard protocols.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention standards, and handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and chemicals.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with pathologists, other laboratory personnel, and interdepartmental team members from procedural and outpatient locations to ensure timely and accurate preparation of specimens. 
• Survey Support: Assist with inspections including, but not limited to, CAP and DNV. Follow CAP requirements and assist in maintaining CAP compliance as directed by supervisor or Pathologist.
• Learning and Development: Engage in ongoing educational opportunities related to laboratory science. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
• Inventory Management: Assist in monitoring and managing laboratory inventory, including ordering supplies and reagents as needed. Prepare media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions.
• Training Support: Provide assistance and guidance to new staff or students, sharing knowledge of histological techniques and safety practices.
• Process Improvement: Participate in laboratory process improvement initiatives, contributing ideas to enhance efficiency and quality. 
• Flexibility: Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.  Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits - .5 to 1.0 FTE

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program

Benefits - .001 to .49 FTE:

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work

Required Experience

• Proficiency in tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining techniques
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow complex procedures accurately

Preferred Experience

• At least 1 year of experience in a histology laboratory or related field is preferred
• Basic computer skills for documentation and familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS) are preferred
• Experience in a clinical or hospital laboratory setting a plus
• Knowledge of advanced staining techniques, such as immunochemistry desired
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and biohazard handling procedures preferred

Required Licensure/Education

• Histology certificate in a NAACLS accredited Histology program and/or Histology experience

Preferred Education

• HT (ASCP) certification or eligible for certification preferred Certification must be obtained within 1 year of hire
• Associates degree or greater in Histotechnology, Medical Laboratory Technology, or related field preferred

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Acids, bases, formalin, alcohol, xylene, and various chemicals in stain reagents
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Direct patient contact with bone marrows and aspirations, setting up cytology specimens, assisting with frozen sections, FNA procedures
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Direct patient contact with bone marrows and aspirations, setting up cytology specimens, assisting with frozen sections, FNA procedures

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Necessary for communication with coworkers, providers, clinical staff, and other customers and for answering the phone.
• Vision: Necessary for all specimen preparation and processing
• Smell: Electrical/Fire safety
• Hearing: N/A
• Touch: Necessary for operating instruments and completing procedures

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 30%
• Twist: 0%
• Stand: 35%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 16%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 4%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

1-gallon reagent containers are lifted from flammable storage cabinet to shelf 5 times/day and carried 12 feet. Bone marrow tray lifted from refrigerator top and carried to patient room 1-2 times/day.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 90
• Twist: 0
• Stand: 120
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 0
• Squat:5
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 5
• Reach above shoulders: 5

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs.
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 3-50 lbs. 
• Fine Manipulation: Includes writing, typing, embedding, microtome use, routine staining and cover-slipping 3-4 hours/day.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Foot pedal used for embedding center-pressure - weight of foot for one hour. Foot pedal for faucet - pressure is minimal for one hour.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Very Bright
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Fumes, Odors

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Explosive, Chemical. Mechanical hazards - exposure to microtome blades. Chemical hazards - stains, reagents, formalin, xylene. Blood & body fluid exposure when handling specimens and with direct patient care.

Protective Clothing Required: Closed-toe shoes, lab coat, gloves. Sometimes - Safety goggles, respirator mask, apron.