Histotechnician-Inpatient Hospital Part-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Woodstock, IL

1d

About The Position

The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures according to 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 regarding specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program. This position works 20 hours per week on the day shift.

The Histotechnician performs technical and clerical processes for tissue preparation, embedding, sectioning, staining, and quality review, documenting specimen identification and quality issues as required for regulatory compliance. The position may also assist with gross examination and dissection, laboratory training, safety and infection-control activities, and process improvement or patient-specimen problem resolution. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• For hires after 01/19/2025, an associate degree with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry; alternatively, 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.
• Must provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
• Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within one year of hire.
• Must meet requirements for performing high-complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC, CAP).

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree as a Histotechnician.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation and operates conventional and microwave tissue processors; recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues when applicable; assesses processing adequacy, identifies and orients tissue, documents tracking and quality issues, and reconciles paraffin blocks.
• Prioritizes blocks according to established guidelines and operates a microtome to obtain representative sections, selecting appropriate block orientation, alignment, knife angles, and settings.
• Recognizes acceptable and unacceptable sections and adjusts procedures when needed to produce diagnostic sections.
• Documents specimen identification throughout technical and clerical processes, including in the laboratory information system, cassettes, slides, and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.
• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides, performs manual methods during instrument downtime, and addresses unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Performs special staining using automated and manual methods, identifies appropriate controls, and microscopically evaluates stains for acceptable results.
• Sections and stains frozen tissue, identifies and corrects staining deficiencies, and documents stains and quality issues.
• Performs or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for designated specimens when applicable; resolves discrepancies and escalates issues when necessary.
• Uses dictation equipment to document descriptions when applicable and investigates, escalates, and documents discrepancies or unresolved issues.
• Prioritizes technical workload and adjusts to workflow changes, STAT requests, and fluctuations in work volume.
• Uses required equipment safely and proficiently while meeting defined turnaround times; may initiate Quality Investigation Reports and reports equipment or instrument malfunctions.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment, cleans and disinfects laboratory areas, performs minor spill cleanup when necessary, and promptly notifies the coordinator about supply issues.
• Follows safety procedures and may participate in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Pursues personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• May train or teach students and staff, assist with process-improvement projects, and help resolve patient-specimen issues, including root cause analysis.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

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