What are the responsibilities and job description for the Histotechnician, PRN (Surgical Hospital) position at UMC of El Paso?
Job Description:
The Histotechnician (Non-Certified) prepares high-quality stained sections of patient's tissues for microscopic examination by Pathologist. Histotechnicians perform multiple automated and manual procedures on tissue portions with resultant high-quality slides which facilitate accurate Pathology reports.
Required Skills:
Work Experience:
One year of experience in a histology or anatomic pathology laboratory performing tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and slide preparation preferred.
License/Registration/Certification:
Certified or registered as a Histotechnician preferred.
Education and Training:
High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Completion of an accredited histology program or equivalent on the job training required.
Skills:
- Knowledge of tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and slide preparation techniques used in anatomic pathology laboratories.
- Skill in accurately labeling, accessioning, and tracking tissue specimens to maintain patient identification and specimen integrity throughout all laboratory processes.
- Skill in operating microtomes to produce high-quality 2–4 micron tissue sections and troubleshooting sectioning artifacts such as folds, wrinkles, or bubbles.
- Skill in operating and performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment including tissue processors, cryostats, automated stainers, and cover-slipping instruments.
- Knowledge and skill in performing routine stains such as Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and special stains to support accurate pathological diagnosis.
- Ability to monitor histology processes, evaluate slide quality microscopically, and maintain quality control standards throughout specimen processing and staining.
- Ability to assist pathologists during gross examinations, frozen sections, biopsies, and postmortem examinations while maintaining accurate documentation and specimen handling.
- Knowledge of infection control, hazardous material handling, and compliance with hospital, state, and federal regulations related to specimen storage and disposal.
- Ability to maintain meticulous attention to detail to prevent specimen misidentification and ensure diagnostic-quality tissue preparation.
- Ability to maintain orderly filing, storage, and retrieval systems for tissue blocks, slides, and laboratory records.