Histotechnician-Inpatient Hospital Part-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare•Woodstock, IL

2d•$28 - $40

About The Position

The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures in accordance with department-specific SOPs and guidelines, producing 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 position works 20 hours per week on the day shift. The Histotechnician is expected to uphold Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values; follow its Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program; and comply with applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. The role also requires proficient and safe use of laboratory equipment, accurate documentation, workload prioritization, and maintenance of a clean and safe work environment.

Requirements

If hired 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 requirements for performing high-complexity testing under federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC and CAP).

Nice To Haves

Associate degree as a Histotechnician.

Responsibilities

Reconcile cassette logs and initiate appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors; recognize, resolve, and document standard processor alarms.
Embed biopsy, routine surgical, and, when applicable, autopsy tissues according to SOPs, and recognize whether processing is adequate.
Identify and orient tissues correctly, document tracking and quality issues on the embedding log, and perform and document routine paraffin block reconciliation.
Prioritize blocks according to established guidelines.
Operate microtomes 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.
Document specimen identification throughout technical and clerical processes, including in the laboratory information system and on cassettes, slides, and logs, as required for regulatory compliance.
Operate automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic 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.
Section and stain 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 designated specimens when applicable at the site; resolve discrepancies before gross examination and escalate issues when necessary.
Use dictation equipment to document descriptions according to procedure when applicable.
Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies or unresolved issues.
Prioritize technical workload based on assignments or established priorities and adjust workflow to accommodate STAT requests or changes in work volume.
Exercise independent judgment in technical responsibilities and safely use required equipment within defined turnaround times.
Perform required Quality System responsibilities, including initiating Quality Investigation Reports when needed.
Report equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
Maintain a clean and 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 required safety procedures.
Take initiative for 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 assigned duties and may assist with process improvement projects or problem resolution involving patient specimens, including root cause analysis.