Pathology Laboratory Assistant

HCA Healthcare • Aurora, CO

1d

About The Position

The Pathology Laboratory Assistant supports the pathology laboratory by accessioning surgical specimens, organizing specimen procurement and processing, and maintaining accurate records and archived materials. The role includes labeling and sequencing cassettes, filing and retrieving histology blocks and slides, preparing slides and matching reports for pathologists, and logging cases for send-outs and conferences. The assistant maintains equipment and supply records, keeps the work area clean and safe, answers phones as required, and assists histologists and pathologists. The role may also provide opportunities to learn histology skills such as embedding, microtomy, cytology, and special stains. Other histology duties may be assigned.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. One year of medical laboratory experience is preferred, along with basic knowledge of biology and medical terminology and knowledge of chemical and biohazardous-material handling. The assistant must communicate and collaborate effectively, work with people at all organizational levels, solve problems, work independently or in groups, and maintain confidentiality to protect patient privacy and proprietary information. The maximum orientation period is six weeks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic knowledge of biology and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of handling chemicals and biohazardous materials.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to effectively solve problems.
• Ability to work independently or in small or large groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality to protect patient privacy and proprietary information.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a medical laboratory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accession surgical specimens completely and accurately.
• Sequence and label appropriate amounts of cassettes.
• Organize and support the efficient operation of the specimen procurement, receipt, and processing area.
• Accurately file and retrieve histology blocks and slides, and log cases for send-outs, conferences, and other purposes.
• Label slides accurately and match them with reports for the pathologist.
• Maintain archival filing and label and move blocks, slides, and tissue.
• Maintain working knowledge of routine maintenance for the H&E Strainer and Tissue Processors, and take temperatures on required equipment.
• Put away arriving supplies and write received dates on incoming supplies.
• Keep the work area clean and answer phones as required.
• Assist histologists and pathologists as needed.
• Learn histology skills, including embedding, microtomy, cytology, and special stains.
• Perform other histology duties as assigned.
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment, including equipment, supply stock, files, records, and counters, according to supervisor-established standards.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health, and telemedicine coverage
• Free counseling and referral services
• Paid time off and paid family leave
• Long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
• 401(k) plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay, based on years of service
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, rollover support, and financial wellbeing counseling
• Tuition assistance, student loan assistance, certification support, dependent scholarships, and a partnership with Galen College of Nursing
• Fertility and family-building benefits
• Adoption assistance
• Life insurance and supplemental health protection plans
• Auto and home insurance, legal counseling, identity theft protection, and consumer discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED