Histotechnician Full Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Palos Heights, IL

1d

About The Position

The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures in accordance with department-specific SOPs and guidelines to produce stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by a pathologist. The role communicates with pathologists, residents, and coordinators or supervisors about specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program. The Histotechnician follows organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards while exercising independent judgment, maintaining safe and efficient laboratory operations, and completing work within defined turnaround times.

The position includes processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissue specimens; documenting specimen identification and quality throughout laboratory workflows; operating and troubleshooting laboratory instruments; and helping ensure diagnostic sections are produced. Depending on site and assignment, the Histotechnician may assist with gross examination and tissue selection, train or teach students and staff, and contribute to process improvement or specimen problem-resolution activities.

Requirements

• For hires after January 19, 2025, an associate degree with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry; alternatively, successful completion of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited college or university, including a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.
• Provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
• Obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within one year of hire.
• Meet federal CLIA and accreditation-agency (TJC and CAP) requirements for performing high-complexity testing.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Histotechnology.

Responsibilities

• Perform cassette-log reconciliation and initiate appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors.
• Recognize, resolve, and document standard processor alarms.
• Embed biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, when applicable, according to SOPs; assess processing adequacy and identify and orient tissues correctly.
• Document tracking and quality issues on embedding logs and perform and document routine paraffin block reconciliation.
• Prioritize blocks according to established guidelines.
• Operate a microtome according to SOPs; determine block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Recognize acceptable and unacceptable sections and determine when tissue-specific deviations from standard procedures are needed to produce diagnostic sections.
• Maintain appropriate specimen-identification documentation throughout technical and clerical processes, including in the laboratory information system, on cassettes and slides, and in logs as required.
• Operate automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides, perform manual methods during instrument downtime, and recognize, resolve, and document unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Perform special staining using automated instrumentation and manual methods; identify appropriate positive and/or negative controls and microscopically evaluate stains.
• Perform sectioning and staining of frozen tissue, identify and correct staining deficiencies, and document stains and quality issues.
• Perform or assist with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens, if applicable at the site.
• Resolve discrepancies before gross examination and escalate issues to a supervisor or pathologist when necessary; use dictation equipment to document descriptions when applicable.
• Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Prioritize technical workload, adapt to workflow changes, and incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Use all required equipment proficiently and safely and complete duties within defined turnaround times.
• Perform required Quality System responsibilities, which may include initiating Quality Investigation Reports.
• Report equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment; clean and disinfect laboratory areas according to SOPs and perform minor spill cleanup when necessary.
• Notify the coordinator promptly of supply issues and follow safety procedures, taking a proactive role in laboratory safety.
• Take initiative in personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• May participate in safety and infection-control activities and train or teach students and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned; may assist with process-improvement projects and root-cause analysis or other resolution of patient specimen problems.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A wide range of benefits intended to support employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree