Histotechnician Full Time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Palos Heights, IL

1d • $28 - $40

About The Position

The Histotechnician reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and follows its Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The role performs routine histology procedures according to department SOPs to produce stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by a Pathologist. It communicates specimen problems to pathologists, residents, and coordinators or supervisors and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program.

The position handles tissue processing, embedding, block reconciliation, sectioning, staining, and related documentation and quality checks. It may also perform or assist with gross examination and tissue selection, depending on the site. The Histotechnician manages assigned workloads and changing priorities, including STAT requests, uses laboratory equipment safely, maintains a clean and compliant work environment, and may support training, process improvement, and specimen-related problem resolution.

Requirements

• For hires after January 19, 2025, an associate degree with 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 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 required by CLIA guidelines.
• Obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within one year of hire.
• Meet federal CLIA and accreditation agency (TJC, CAP) requirements for performing high-complexity testing.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Histotechnology.

Responsibilities

• Perform cassette-log reconciliation; initiate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors; recognize, resolve, and document standard processor alarms.
• Embed biopsy, routine surgical, and applicable autopsy tissues according to SOP; assess processing adequacy; identify and orient tissues; document tracking and quality issues.
• Perform and document routine paraffin block reconciliation and prioritize blocks according to established guidelines.
• Operate a microtome according to SOP, selecting block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Assess section quality and determine when tissue-specific deviations from standard procedures are needed to produce diagnostic sections.
• Maintain appropriate specimen identification and documentation throughout technical and clerical processes, including in the laboratory information system, on cassettes and slides, and in logs.
• Operate automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides; perform manual methods during instrument downtime; recognize, resolve, and document unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Perform special staining using automated instrumentation and manual methods; select appropriate 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 where applicable; resolve discrepancies before gross examination and escalate issues when necessary.
• Use dictation equipment to document descriptions where applicable.
• Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies or unresolved issues.
• Prioritize technical workload and adapt to workflow changes, STAT requests, and fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercise independent judgment and use required equipment proficiently and safely while meeting defined turnaround times.
• Perform required Quality System responsibilities, which may include initiating Quality Investigation Reports.
• Report equipment or instrument malfunctions; maintain a clean, safe laboratory; clean and disinfect areas and perform minor spill cleanup according to SOP.
• Notify the coordinator promptly of supply issues and follow safety procedures; may participate in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Pursue personal development through educational sessions, teleconferences, and required meetings.
• May train or teach students and staff, assist with process improvement projects, and help resolve patient specimen problems, including root cause analysis.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A range of benefits intended to support 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