PRN Histology Technician

HCA Healthcare • San Antonio, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Histology Technician prepares and processes specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by a pathologist. The role performs histology and cytology procedures, maintains laboratory equipment, ensures quality control, and contributes to continuous quality improvement. Through tissue processing, sectioning, and staining, the technician supports accurate and timely results and collaborates with pathologists and the care team.

The position also supports service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, a healthy work environment, and coordination within and across departments. The technician acts as a resource to peers and customers, models teamwork, assists with personnel orientation and training when requested, participates in accreditation inspections, and performs Complex Specimen Processor duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Ability to meticulously follow directions and protocols for proper fixation and routine staining of samples.
• Ability to consistently prepare specimen sections with appropriate slide orientation, thickness, and stain quality for microscopic diagnosis.
• Good technique in cutting, embedding, specimen orientation, and staining.
• General understanding of laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Ability to assimilate and analyze information and recommend actions.
• Effective, proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to understand work processes in a broad context and consider how decisions affect other parts of the organization.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Associate's degree.
• HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Ensure quality control and quality assurance and participate in continuous quality improvement.
• Prepare and process specimens for gross and microscopic examination and diagnosis by a pathologist.
• Assist with preparation of frozen sections of surgical specimens for microscopic examination when needed.
• Perform histology and cytology procedures, including specimen processing and fixation, cell block preparation, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, routine and special stains, and case organization.
• Ensure positive identification of samples, blocks, and slides.
• Prepare and maintain solutions for routine stains and histology procedures.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment and instrumentation according to manufacturer and department procedures and schedules.
• Use problem-solving skills to ensure procedural accuracy and proper equipment performance; troubleshoot and take corrective action or escalate issues promptly.
• Follow department policy for performing and documenting quality control and quality assurance for instrumentation, equipment, and procedures.
• Identify unacceptable results or outcomes, take appropriate action, and escalate unresolved issues to department leadership.
• Ensure patient materials are not provided to a pathologist until an issue has been resolved.
• Support department goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, a healthy work environment, and integration of departmental activities.
• Act as a resource to peers and customers and model teamwork.
• Assist with orientation, training, and competency documentation for department personnel as requested.
• Participate in accreditation inspections.
• Perform duties of a Complex Specimen Processor as required.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine plans.
• Free counseling and referral services.
• Paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage, and leaves of absence.
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay, based on years of service.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling.
• Tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing.
• Fertility and family-building benefits and adoption assistance.
• Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans.
• Auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED