Histotechnologist - Full Time - OMC - New Orleans

Ochsner Health•New Orleans, LA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Histotechnologist receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and microscopic examination. The role assists Pathologists, Pathologist Assistants, and Residents in the gross dissection room; embeds tissues in paraffin; and cuts, stains, and labels slides. It also develops procedures, evaluates reagents and equipment, follows test plans, coordinates internal validations, and provides staff guidance and education. The position serves as a consultant technician, audits operations for quality control, and assists the supervisor as needed. The role includes preparing tissues or slides for special procedures and send-outs, maintaining control slides and QC documentation, adjusting schedules to support workload and productivity, and completing requests from Pathologists, supervisors, and management within 24 hours or reporting delays. The Histotechnologist cleans and maintains laboratory equipment and work areas, documents quality control, follows safety guidelines, and performs special procedures including special stains, immunoperoxidase, undecalcified bone processing, gross specimen photography, and high-complexity immunohistochemistry testing. Other related duties may be assigned. The position requires awareness of applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements, and compliance with the employer’s Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct. Work routinely involves exposure to blood, body fluids, tissue, possible communicable diseases, and potentially hazardous medications or waste. The role is classified as Medium Work, involving exertion of 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in histotechnology, biology, chemistry, physical science, medical technology, medical laboratory science, or clinical laboratory science.
Certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology as a histotechnician, histotechnologist, cytotechnologist, medical laboratory scientist, international medical laboratory scientist, international cytotechnologist, international histotechnician, or international histotechnologist.
Louisiana license as a clinical laboratory scientist.
Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.
Judgment skills to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.
Analytical skills to perform calculations and operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.
Ability to manage stress while maintaining a professional atmosphere and providing accurate, quality results and service.
Ability to work independently.
Computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of patient information; proficiency with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to people at varying levels.
Ability to meet the physical demands of Medium Work, including exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
Ability to work with routine exposure to blood, body fluids, and tissue and potential occupational exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous medications, or hazardous waste.

Responsibilities

Receive and accession surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and microscopic examination.
Assist Pathologists, Pathologist Assistants, and Residents in the gross dissection room.
Embed tissues in paraffin and cut, stain, and label slides, properly orienting tissue so relevant surfaces are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.
Prepare tissues or slides for special procedures and send-outs, including EM, IF, Cell Flow, and Cytogenetics; arrange packaging, transportation, documentation, and billing.
Maintain an adequate supply of positive-control slides and document case number and QC date on the Control Tissue QC log.
Help manage workload and productivity by adjusting schedules when necessary.
Complete requests from Pathologists, supervisors, and management within 24 hours and notify them of delays.
Clean and maintain reagents and laboratory equipment, including tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer, and immunostainers; keep work areas clean and document QC as required.
Provide operational support during special circumstances, including inclement weather, power outages, or computer downtime, in technical or nontechnical areas as needed.
Follow departmental and institutional safety guidelines and document instances appropriately.
Perform special stains, immunoperoxidase, undecalcified bone processing, gross specimen photography, high-complexity testing such as immunohistochemistry, and related quality-control procedures.
Develop new procedures, evaluate reagents and equipment, follow test plans, coordinate internal validations, and advise staff in problem-solving situations.
Provide ongoing education to laboratory staff, audit operations for quality control, serve as a consultant technician, and assist the supervisor as needed.
Remain knowledgeable about applicable laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements and ensure compliance.
Report known or suspected unethical or questionable conduct, patient or employee safety concerns, privacy issues, and other compliance-related concerns.