Surgical Pathology Technician

Job Overview

Fairview has an immediate opening for a Surgical Pathology Technician at Southdale Hospital, located in Edina, MN.

This is a 1.0 FTE (80 hours per two week pay period, benefit‑eligible opening, rotating weekly shifts 6‑2:30, 7‑3:30, and 8‑4:30). Intermittent flex coverage at Ridges Hospital (average of 1‑2 days per month).

The Surgical Pathology Technician (SPT) performs all work processes necessary for the preparation or procurement of specimens (blocks, slides, tissue, other) used for high‑complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88. The SPT possesses knowledge of the pathology/clinical laboratories (Cytology, Cytogenetics, Hematopathology, Molecular, Histology, or other), recognizes problems, identifies basic causes, and makes corrections using established protocols. The SPT processes data based on knowledge of technical conditions affecting diagnostic test results and performs procedures within established parameters.

The SPT collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote patient and provider experience. The SPT works independently under general supervision.

• Identify and process samples.
• Obtain appropriate specimen from lab or storage areas.
• Assess integrity of all specimens for testing/processing.
• Verify correct identification of specimens/tissue before testing/processing.
• Interact with providers/pathologists to determine orders.
• Route samples to the appropriate pathologists.
• Maintain tight inventory control of samples to assure custody of irretrievable samples.
• Accession/order‑enter specimens/tests into the computer system.
• Review and submit orders for provider approval. Enter required information in Epic Beaker system for in‑house and reference laboratory testing.
• Verify patient identification, demographics, ordering physician and tests ordered.
• Perform reception duties for the Pathology Laboratory.
• Maintain a clean and organized working environment.
• Perform technical work processes.
• Operate laboratory equipment and information systems according to written procedures.
• Edit electronic test reports as needed and route to pathologists for sign‑out.
• Determine appropriate reference test based on provider order.
• Track specimens to ensure results are received and resulted in a timely manner.
• Enter and analyze data effectively and accurately.
• Recognize problems and take appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Identify problems and make corrections using established protocols.
• Initiate proper safety or emergency responses.
• Obtain assistance from supervisor or others if unable to resolve issues.
• Conduct and tabulate quality audits.
• Document deviations and actions taken.
• Work independently under general supervision.
• Produce data for quality review and quality improvement.
• Regulatory and compliance.
• Provide feedback for procedures to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain logs of quality functions, e.g., autopsy billing.
• Maintain complete and orderly inventory of historical slides.
• Verify billing for accuracy and enter corrections per protocol.
• Train staff, residents, fellows as needed.
• Complete competency assessments.
• Contribute to a positive patient and provider experience.
• Be respectful to all internal and external customers.
• Respond to questions from families regarding autopsies.
• Respond to questions from nursing staff and providers regarding send‑out testing and result status.
• Communicate with pathologists to identify appropriate sample for testing and appropriateness of order.
• Respond to special requests from pathologists.
• Demonstrate ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served.
• Additional requirements:
• Knowledge of anatomy.
• Medical terminology preferred.
• Demonstrate ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity.
• Basic computer and keyboarding skills.

• 24 credits of college coursework with at least 12 credits in chemistry or biological sciences (transcript must be provided).
• 24 credits of college coursework plus 2 years of clinical or anatomic laboratory experience (transcript must be provided).
• 0 to 1 year…