CERTIFIED HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN

Riverside Healthcare•Kankakee, IL

5d•$31 - $40

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Proficiency in tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining techniques
Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow complex procedures accurately
Histology certificate in a NAACLS accredited Histology program and/or Histology experience

Nice To Haves

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
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

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

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.
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
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
Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work