Job Information
Excela Health HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN/HISTOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST in Butler, Pennsylvania
Description
Shift: Monday-Friday, Daylight hours, no weekends or holidays. *Days and hours are subject to change.
The Histology position will consider Technician and Technologist levels of the career ladder. The final title and pay will be determined by education, experience, and certification.
Histology Technician
Job Summary/Overall Objectives
Processes and prepares pathology specimens to produce quality diagnostic slides for examination by a pathologist. Competent in the performance of routine and special stains.
Essential Job Functions
Accessions and systematically organizes specimens to safeguard specimen identification and integrity.
Prepares for and assists in the grossing of specimens with a pathologist.
readies the grossing area in an organized manner to assist the pathologist and efficiently prioritize workflow
Supplies materials to the pathologist as needed-gloves, surgical instruments, inks, etc.
accurately documents specimens, blocks and slides as the pathologist grosses
orders blocks, levels, frozen sections, path determinations, photos, flow cytometry tracking, touch preps, special stains and special requests as needed
cleans the grossing station and instruments when the pathologist is finished, maintaining the area in a safe and sanitary condition
Operates and maintains equipment in accordance with guidelines.
loads and starts processors at day's end, choosing the appropriate program for processing
operates microtomes, cryostats, staining equipment, recycler, etc., as trained and according to guidelines
performs routine, preventative and corrective maintenance, resolving problems as they occur
documents maintenance as performed; assists in keeping accurate records of preventative and corrective maintenance performed by outside vendors
Embeds, cuts and performs routine stains on tissue sections.
Demonstrates competency in performance of routine and special stains.
Prepares slides for reading by pathologist.
coverslips slides using manual or automated methods
labels slides accurately, ensuring positive patient identification with clear notation of slide source and stain procedure
facilitates the distribution of slides between pathologists to provide timely progression of workflow
Performs and completes frozen sections.
produces quality frozen section slides with accurate identification of patient and source
performs frozen section procedure and delivers slides to pathologist in a manner that allows for a 20 minute or less turnaround time
documents receipt and delivery of the frozen section
follows written protocols for cleaning, defrosting and decontamination of the cryostats, documents in the QC manual
Participates in routine departmental tasks.
files slides and paraffin blocks accurately and independently
restocks supplies as needed
performs recycling when necessary
maintains adequate supplies of filled specimen containers
makes reagents, filters stains according to established protocols
performs supply inventory and places stock and non-stock orders as needed
Maintains skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions.
Works with the pathology software on a daily basis for accessioning and documentation of specimens, pulling work lists, ordering slides, labels, etc.
Uses the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA variances, etc.
monitors reports to track specimens and/or results as needed
Functions in an organized and independent manner, complying with policy and procedures to cooperatively enhance department operations.
cognitive of the importance of clear and concise communication between pathologists, histologists, manager and medical secretaries
handles requests from the pathologists in a timely manner
recognizes areas for improvement in department operations, contributes to and participates in quality management processes
participates in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance
maintains competency in assigned areas, and completes assessments in a timely and independent manner
participates in continuing education programs, staff meetings, etc., as appropriate
Functions as cytopreparatory tech for preparation of gyne and non-gyne thin prep specimens.
Other duties as assigned.
Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]
Required Qualifications/Experience
High School Diploma or GED or higher level of education.
Completion of the educational requirements needed to take the Histotechnician (HT) exam:
Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited HT program within the last 5 years OR;
High School Diploma or GED and at least 60 semester hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours of biology and chemistry.
OR Bachelor of Science or Associate of Science with one (1) to two (2) years of histology experience.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment
Problem solving involving several variables in or from standardized situations.
Apply technical principles. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.
High level of visual acuity (with/without correction) necessary for very close inspection and attention to minute detail, very small objects and scant variations in color.
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- None preferred.
License, Certification & Clearances
Obtain HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification within fifteen (15) months of hire or transfer.
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
Must complete HAZMAT training in 90 days
Histology Technologist
Job Summary/Overall Objectives
Processes and prepares pathology specimens to produce quality diagnostic slides for examination by a pathologist. Competent in the performance of routine and special stains.
Essential Job Functions
Accessions and systematically organizes specimens to safeguard specimen identification and integrity.
Prepares for and assists in the grossing of specimens (with a pathologist based on location).
readies the grossing area in an organized manner to assist the pathologist and efficiently prioritize workflow
supplies materials to the pathologist as needed-gloves, surgical instruments, inks, etc.
accurately documents specimens, blocks and slides
orders blocks, levels, frozen sections, path determinations, photos, flow cytometry tracking, touch preps, special stains and special requests as needed
cleans the grossing station and instruments when the grossing is finished, maintaining area in a safe and sanitary condition.
Operates and maintains equipment in accordance with guidelines.
loads and starts processors at day's end, choosing the appropriate program for processing
operates microtomes, cryostats, staining equipment, etc., as trained and according to guidelines
performs routine, preventative and corrective maintenance, resolving problems as they occur
documents maintenance as performed; assists in keeping accurate records of preventative and corrective maintenance performed by outside vendors
Embeds, cuts and performs routine stains on tissue sections.
Demonstrates competency in performance of routine and special stains, immunohistochemistry and insituhybridization, molecular probes
Prepares slides for reading by pathologist.
coverslips slides using manual or automated methods
labels slides accurately, ensuring positive patient identification with clear notation of slide source and stain procedure
facilitates the distribution of slides between pathologists to provide timely progression of workflow
Performs and completes frozen sections.
At the direction of the Pathologist (or Moh’s surgeon) and the PA is not available (applicable by location)
produces quality frozen section slides with accurate identification of patient and source
performs frozen section procedure and delivers slides to pathologist in a manner that allows for a 20 minute or less turnaround time
documents receipt and delivery of the frozen section in the log book and in the EMR
follows written protocols for cleaning, defrosting and decontamination of the cryostats, documents in the QC manual
Participates in routine departmental tasks.
files slides and paraffin blocks accurately and independently (wet tissue accurately and independently by location)
restocks supplies as needed
maintains adequate supplies of filled specimen containers
makes reagents, filters stains according to established protocols
performs supply inventory and places stock and non-stock orders as needed
Maintains skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions.
Works with the pathology software and dictation system and software (by location where applicable) on a daily basis for accessioning and documentation of specimens, pulling work lists, ordering slides, labels, etc.
Uses the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA variances, etc.
monitors reports to track specimens and/or results as needed
Functions in an organized and independent manner, complying with policy and procedures to cooperatively enhance department operations.
cognitive of the importance of clear and concise communication between pathologists, histologists, manager and medical secretaries
handles requests from the pathologists in a timely manner
recognizes areas for improvement in department operations, contributes to and participates in quality management processes
participates in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance
maintains competency in assigned areas, and completes assessments in a timely and independent manner
participates in continuing education programs, staff meetings, etc., as appropriate
Functions as cytopreparatory tech for preparation of gyne and non-gyne thin prep specimens.
Other duties as assigned.
Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]
Required Qualifications/Experience
Associates of Science degree or higher level of education with three (3) + years’ experience in histology
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Basic Math and Keyboard Proficiency
Basic working knowledge of computers and office equipment
Problem solving involving several variables in or from standardized situations.
Apply technical principles. Interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form.
High level of visual acuity (with/without correction) necessary for very close inspection and attention to minute detail, very small objects and scant variations in color.
Preferred Qualifications/Experience
- None preferred.
License, Certification & Clearances
HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification required.
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
Must complete HAZMAT training within 90 days of hire/transfer
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
Travel may be expected locally between System locations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Disclaimer
This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Work Environment
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat
x
Extreme Cold
x
Heights
x
Confined Spaces
x
Extreme Noise(>85dB)
x
Mechanical Hazards
x
x
Use of Vibrating Tools
x
Operates Vehicle (company)
x
Operates Heavy Equipment
x
Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
x
x
Rotates All Shifts
x
x
8 Hours Shifts
x
x
10-12 Hours Shifts
x
On-Call
x
x
Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)
x
x
Travel Between Sites
x
x
Direct Patient Care
x
Respirator Protective Equipment
x
x
Eye Protection
x
x
Head Protection (hard hat)
x
Hearing Protection
x
Hand Protection
x
x
Feet, Toe Protection
x
Body Protection
x
x
Latex Exposure
x
x
Solvent Exposure
x
x
Paint (direct use) Exposure
x
Dust (sanding) Exposure
x
Ethylene Oxide Exposure
x
Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
x
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure
x
x
Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
x
x
Mist Exposure
x
Wax Stripper (direct use)
x
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
x
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
x
Laser Exposure
x
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Bending (Stooping)
x
x
Sitting
x
x
Walking
x
x
Climbing Stairs
x
x
x
Climbing Ladders
x
Standing
x
x
Kneeling
x
x
Squatting (Crouching)
x
x
Twisting/Turning
x
x
Keyboard/Computer Operation
x
Gross Grasp
x
Fine Finger Manipulation
x
x
Hand/Arm Coordination
x
x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
x
x
Carry
x
x
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients
x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
x
x
Feeling (Sensation)
x
x
Color Vision
x
x
Hearing Clearly
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead
x
x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level
x
x
Reaching Forward
x
x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
###
10-29#
30-49#
50>50#
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle
###
10-19#
20-29#
30->50#
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
###
10-19#
20-29#
30->50#
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
###
10->50#
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.