Histotechnologist
Meharry Medical College

he Histotechnologist position is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including processing all specimens received in the Histology laboratory under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selecting methodologies for processing tissue specimens and solving routine problems. Histotechnologist contribute to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice cost-effectively by performing various tasks, primarily preparing and Histological processing of all surgical pathology specimens in preparation for pathologist review and diagnosis. The Histotechnologist receives all histology specimens and processes them using various methodologies, complex machinery, and staining systems. The Histotechnologist will then prepare the slides for Pathologist review by cutting prepared tissue blocks utilizing complex machinery. Histotechnologist are then responsible for appropriately staining the slides, whether with routine, special, or immunohistochemical stains. Throughout this process the Histotechnologist is responsible for labeling, entering, and tracking the progress of the specimen until it reaches the Pathologist for diagnosis. This is extremely important in overall patient care. Inappropriate processing of lost specimens or incorrectly labeled specimens can result in incorrect or unavailable diagnoses, which can cause repeat procedures or life-threatening treatment choices. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. The position is also responsible for maintaining the histology area by maintaining inventory and supplies, cleaning and organizing workstations, disposing of biological waste, and adhering to all compliance and operational procedures.

The Histotechnologist in this role will have the opportunity to demonstrate their autonomy and problem-solving skills. They will manage the histology area, maintaining an inventory of supplies, cleaning and organizing workstations, disposing of biological waste, and adhering to all compliance and operational procedures. This position requires independent judgment in selecting methodologies utilized in processing tissue specimens and solving routine problems. The Histotechnologist must be familiar with all laboratory policies and procedures. This position also requires excellent interpersonal skills, where customer service and responsibility to patient care are the priority.

Additional duties include documentation per CAP guidelines, communication with pathologists/residents, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. This is not a supervisory position. However, this position will demonstrate communication of all problems and concerns to the Lead Histotechnologist and/or pertinent superiors. If there are no superiors present, the employee shall handle the situation and immediately inform the Lead Histotechnologist upon arrival of the corrective actions

Daily Operations

• Determines appropriate handling and tissue processing for specimens, as well as priorities for requested procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate equipment with precision for all histological protocols.
• Performs routine and complex staining techniques and demonstrates competency with routine H&E, Special stains, and immunohistochemical procedures to include in situ hybridization reactions.
• Performs computer data entry, recall, and labeling on complex pathology network (LIS).
• Performs routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, and minor adjustments on all lab equipment.
• Prepares and examines solutions for contamination, impurities, or instability.
• Follows procedures on all lab tests.
• Microscopically examine all stained slides and controls to determine the accuracy of the last test and modify the procedures as needed.
• Retrieves and stores specimens properly for long-term storage.
• Assists in maintaining accreditation standards, including all check sheets and quality control information sheets.
• Maintains archived Histological slides and blocks.
• Performs all procedures promptly.
• Answer the laboratory phone properly and take information correctly.
• Assists in the ordering of laboratory supplies to maintain proper inventory.
• Knowledgeable of all lab procedures and specimen submission requirements.
• Understand and use proper safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complete all required training and compliance courses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Highly motivated individual looking to pursue a long-term career in histology.
• Excellent interpersonal skills where customer service and responsibility for implementing technical standards are the priority.
• Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to work individually with minimal supervision and as part of a team of technologists, shows proficiency at solving complex problems and exhibits excellent computer skills (all Microsoft products and preferably).
• Willing and capable of learning new techniques relating to histology and molecular pathology.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to establish rapport with persons of diverse backgrounds which also includes experience working with students, staff, and faculty, within a higher education and/or academic medical environment.
• Ability to interpret complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ability to listen and follow precise protocols and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to organize workload and file correctly alphabetically and numerically.
• Must possess a professional demeanor and have experience that demonstrates problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, a fast learner, and possesses excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to take direction and use independent judgment to coordinate and meet multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with HIPAA and security compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

Required Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in biological health, social science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• One (1) year of experience working in a clinical histology lab.
• Histotechnician or Histotechnologist Certification (HTL, ASCP), or certification eligibility.

A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree year after year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in a clinical histology lab.
• Immunohistochemistry Certification or eligibility (QIHC, ASCP).
• Experience using laboratory equipment such as complex machinery and staining systems.
• Experience calculating lab results and data using math and analytical skills.
• Experience using MS Word and Excel. Preferred experience will include developing reports, spreadsheets, and databases using the mentioned software programs.
• Experience entering data into an electronic system.
• Experience with medical terminology, human anatomy, and physiology.
• Experience purchasing and maintaining lab supplies.
• Experience cleaning and maintaining laboratories and lab equipment.
• Experience working within an educational medical lab environment in laboratories.

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