Histology Technician

Job Title: Histology Technician

Job Description: At Houston Methodist, the Histology Technician position is responsible for performing all repetitive tests that necessitate knowledge of histological techniques and related instruments. This position exhibits the ability to recognize factors that directly affect procedures and results; use and monitor quality control programs; and perform simple instrument maintenance. The Histology Technician attends and assists with direct patient care procedures and/or performs prep as needed. Additional responsibilities include assisting in the training of others as assigned and demonstrating self-motivation in performing job duties and following procedures.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data comprehensively.
• Teaches students, new employees, and others as assigned by the Manager or designee.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs all routine and complex laboratory procedures in the assigned work area.
• Recognizes and ensures critical values (and/or reportable results) with appropriate Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) documentation.
• Organizes workload and sets priorities. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Analyzes quality control data, makes judgments concerning the results, and thoroughly documents any corrective action taken.
• Processes specimens and demonstrates knowledge of specimen requirements and laboratory rejection policies.
• Actively participates in and achieves an acceptable level of performance on proficiency and competency testing samples.
• Recognizes problems, notifies management of issues, and follows up as directed by management.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security, emergency preparedness, and HIPAA.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

EDUCATION: Graduate of an education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations section.

WORK EXPERIENCE: No experience is required; one year of experience as a Histology Technician is highly preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

• HT(ASCP) - Histotechnician (ASCP) within 1 year OR
• HTL(ASCP) - Histotechnologist (ASCP) within 1 year

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially regarding activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems including Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision, including organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

WORK ATTIRE:

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL:

• Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (e.g., Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc.) regardless of selection below.
• On Call: No

TRAVEL:

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
• May require travel outside the Houston Metropolitan area: No

Company Profile: Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas (two-way tie) and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading healthcare organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms, and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an equal-opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons, and veterans.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Histology Technician, laboratory procedures, quality control, patient care, specimen processing, safety policies, histological techniques, ASCP certification, team collaboration, healthcare.