Histopathology Technician

Job Title: Histopathology Technician

Location: Danville VA Medical Center, 1900 East Main Street, Danville, IL

Period of Performance: January 1, 2025 – January 1, 2030

Compensation: $33.97 per hour

Shift Schedule:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
• No overtime and no holidays

Position Description: We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Histopathology Technician to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing a full range of laboratory procedures in Cytology and Surgical Pathology while maintaining specimen integrity, managing quality control, and ensuring compliance with laboratory standards. This role includes accessioning and processing samples, instrument calibration, quality assurance data collection, and assisting with morgue compliance and decedent affairs.

Strong communication skills are essential for coordinating with medical staff, clinics, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accession and receipt of samples into VA laboratory information system package for in-house testing or send outs to reference laboratories.
• Preparation of specimens for analysis; ensuring that the physiologic states of the specimen properties are maintained.
• Edit and verify results recorded into the computer system.
• Stock and maintain specialized supplies used in the work area.
• Perform a full range of automated and non-automated laboratory procedures in the areas of Cytology and Surgical Pathology, according to established protocols.
• Calibrate, standardize, adjust, and maintain instruments on which trained. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs.
• Perform validation studies on various equipment in the department.
• Conduct quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports.
• Collect quality data for Quality Assurance programs, including Joint Commission.
• Communicate with clinics and providers regarding specimen adequacy or other issues relating to collection or labeling.
• Participate in VISN technical committees for Cytology and AP.
• Develop partnerships with local funeral homes. Monitor compliance with onsite morgue.
• Responsible for record management organization and compliance for the Histology department.
• Communicate with Decedent’s affairs and complete paperwork required.
• Perform Frozen sections when required.
• Monitor temperature compliance in histology areas.

Qualifications:

• Preferred certification in Histopathology.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum one year experience.