Histotechnologist​/Histotechnician

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Assists Pathologists, Pathologist Assistants and Residents in the gross dissection room. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts/stains/labels slides. Develops new procedures and evaluates reagents and equipment, follows test plans, coordinates internal validations and teaches and advises staff in problem-solving situations. Provides ongoing education to laboratory staff and audits operations for quality control and serves as a consultant tech and assists the supervisor as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Histotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Physical, Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science.

Certifications

Required - ASCP accredited (HTL, HT, CT, MT, or MLT) Certification. Current license in the state of practice as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Specialist or Generalist.

Knowledge

Skills and Abilities

(KSAs)

• Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.
• Excellent judgmental skills in order to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.
• Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.
• Ability to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients.
• Strong abilities working independently.
• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.

Job Duties

• Properly orients tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins, are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.
• Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.
• Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides and documents on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date.
• Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.
• Completes Pathologist’s, Supervisor’s and management team’s requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.
• Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer, immunostainers in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required.
• Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and…