Job Details

Registered Histotechnician Position

The Registered Histotechnician (HT) plays a critical role in preparing body tissues for microscopic examination by the Pathologist according to established laboratory protocol and procedures. Responsibilities include fixing, embedding, accurate cutting, staining, and mounting of tissue sections; accurate labeling and identification of specimens and slides; and preparation of reagents and stains according to precise formulas. He/She complies with established laboratory and hospital policies for universal precautions, safety procedures, and exposure control/plans for bloodborne and airborne pathogens. The Technician participates in the performance of routine and special histological procedures. The Registered Histotechnician (HT) performs quality assurance and preventive maintenance procedures; and is willing to work with diseased tissues and material obtained from autopsies. He/She gives attention to detail and ability to work under pressure when rapidly cutting and staining tissue sections are absolutely essential. He/She must be able to comprehend written instructions and procedures when preparing solutions for routine and special stains. The Registered Histotechnician (HT) must have an in-depth knowledge of laboratory techniques, principles, and instruments; demonstrate skill in operating laboratory equipment. He/She must demonstrate a willingness to work with the realization that an error may have serious consequences for patients. The Technician must demonstrate attention to detail for extended periods of time. The Technician must demonstrate skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees and departments.

Education: Requires one of the following AND at least one (1) year full time acceptable experience in a histopathology laboratory:

• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program
• At least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both)
• An associate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both)
• Previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under federal regulations prior to February 28, 1992.

License: N/A

Certification: American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification required. Persons eligible for certification by the ASCP may be hired in the position provided the employee sits for the examination at the next test date. Failure to pass the certification examination will result in a title change to Non-Registered Histotechnician and will include a salary decrease.

Experience: At least one (1) year full time acceptable experience in a histopathology laboratory required.

Physical Demands: Work is moderately active: involves sitting with frequent requirements to move about the office and move about the facility. The position requires traveling throughout the SRHS service area, with the employee providing his/her own transportation. Work involves using many physical motions in performing daily work activities; subject to exposure of body fluids, sputum and tissues, which may carry the hazard of infectious disease. Work involves using repetitive motions: substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and or fingers while operating standard office equipment such as computer keyboard. Work involves being able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction; the ability to make fine discriminations in sound. Work requires close visual acuity and the ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus, i.e. shift gaze from viewing a computer monitor to forms/printed material that are closer to compare data at close vision. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue. Must be able to work flexible hours.

Mental Demands: Must demonstrate the ability to remain calm in crisis situations, to properly prioritize and assign unscheduled tasks, and to exercise sound judgment in decision making. In addition, he/she must demonstrate communications/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and provide information in person and by telephone. Must possess emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress levels. Must demonstrate keen mental faculties/assessment and decision making abilities. Must demonstrate superior communications/speaking/enunciation skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written communication skills. Must demonstrate ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Special Demands: Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e., telephone, fax, etc.) Must have intermediate knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Work requires the ability to function independently and as a team; must have the ability to adapt to workload demands. Work requires the realization that an error may have serious consequences for patients.