Histology Technician Certified

Mount Nittany Health•State College, PA

62d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of supervisors, the Histology Technician Certified is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient, and accurate performance of a variety of histological procedures on tissue specimens. This role requires a workable knowledge of the position, the ability to make logical and sound decisions, and effective organizational, directing, and communication skills. The technician must be adaptable to the day-to-day workflow of the Pathology Lab and communicate effectively with various staff, patients, and medical professionals.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Completed a 12-month clinical internship in an accredited school for Histotechnology.
No previous experience required.
Workable knowledge of the position and ability to independently make logical and sound decisions.
Ability to organize, direct, and communicate effectively.
Demonstrated initiative and interest in overall job performance.
Adaptable to the day-to-day workflow of the Pathology Lab.
Communicates effectively with lab staff, Medical Center departmental staff, patients, medical staff, or anyone requiring laboratory service.
Certified HT with ASCP, AMT, NCCLS or equivalent certification.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the identification and processing of all tissue specimens received in anatomic pathology, including assigning accession numbers, ensuring patient identification, entering demographic information, and assisting pathologists with gross examination.
Meticulously processes, cuts sections from embedded tissue blocks, stains, and delivers prepared slides to pathologists for microscopic examination.
Assists pathologists with frozen section preparation and can cut frozen sections as needed.
Demonstrates a strong knowledge and understanding of IHC, ISH, and Special Stains.
Prepares slides or anatomical material for external consultation or processing as directed by pathologists.
Prepares breast panels by scanning images for review by pathologists.
Files properly indexed tissue slides and blocks for storage and efficient retrieval, ensuring slides are retained for the appropriate length of time before discarding.
Assists with the rotation of all patient specimens located in storage sites.
Maintains all departmental equipment and supplies, ensuring equipment is in working condition and performing preventive maintenance and calibration.
Troubleshoots instrumental and procedural issues, making minor repairs or procedural changes independently when necessary, and requesting assistance or contacting manufacturers' service hotlines as needed.
Maintains cost control in the utilization of materials and suggests ways to improve conservation.
Rotates, dates, and tests reagents to ensure accuracy, avoid expiration, and maintain availability.
Reports any need for, or significant decrease in, supply or reagent inventories, and reagent or supply problems to the supervisor.
Assists with the writing of procedure manuals in accordance with NCCLS format.
Demonstrates compliance with safety procedures and quality assurance standards.
Assists with the implementation of new procedures and evaluations of new products, providing written information on findings when requested.
Suggests changes in methodologies and workflow to increase accuracy and/or efficiency.
Keeps departmental records, forms, log sheets, and other pertinent histologic information filed in a concise and organized fashion.
Assists with the training of other histology staff and provides information to Medical Center personnel regarding sample handling.
Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned, accepting additional assignments, voluntarily assisting co-workers, and working weekends or holidays as required for laboratory coverage.