Histotechnologist- PRN

The University of Kansas Health System•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

Histotechnologist are members of the laboratory team who prepare tissue specimens for evaluation by preparing glass stained slides of human tissue for microscopic examination. A Pathologist then uses these complex techniques to establish and confirm a patient diagnosis. The tasks performed by the Histotechnologist require patience, mechanical ability and a strong knowledge of the biological sciences. There are five intricate steps which include: 1) Grossing/Fixation, 2) Processing, 3) Embedding, 4)Sectioning and 5) Staining; each an integral part of the histotechnologists' job. Additional duties may include Immunohistochemistry and Digital Imaging.

Requirements

High School Graduate and completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnology program OR Associates Degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry and 1 full year of recent experience in histopathology as defined by ASCP to include fixation, embedding/microtomy, staining, and laboratory operations.
Technical/Professional Training/ Degree in Histotechnology
Histotechnologist (HTL) - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP) registration (or eligible with the requirement to pass the boards within 6 months of hire. within 180 Days OR Histotechnician (HT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP) registration (or eligible with the requirement to pass the boards within 6 months of hire.
May grandfather into this position with high school education only if working in a Histology Laboratory prior to January 2, 2005.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science Biologic science, chemistry, physical science or medical technology

Responsibilities

Orient tissue samples during embedding process, performs microtomy, stains tissue samples, and performs manual and automated histochemical stains; may perform Immunohistochemical analysis and digital imaging.
Maintains, operates, troubleshoots instrumentation issues and completes appropriate documentation.
Has the ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment including, but not limited to, tissue processors, automatic stainers, cryostats and coverslippers.
Disposes of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials, according to policy and strictly adheres to safety and infection control procedures.
Has knowledge of specimen requirements for surgical pathology processing and analysis, and understands when to direct questions to the appropriate pathologist or supervisor.
Must apply critical thinking skills and prioritize work appropriately
Demonstrates technical competence with LIS, EMR, and PC.
Participates in quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
Participates in proficiency testing and records results in a timely manner according to laboratory policy.
Follows regulatory, accreditation, safety and hospital standards.
Adheres to all policies and procedures.
Participates in inspection readiness.
Maintains an adequate inventory of all supplies.
Accurately prepares, labels, and stores reagents, controls, and specimens for analysis.
Completes continuing education and submits appropriate documentation where applicable.
Participates in training new employees.
Other duties as assigned.
Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.