Histology Technologist

Exemption Status:

Schedule Details:

Scheduled Hours:

Shift:

Hours:

Cost Center:

This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 16,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.

I. Major Responsibilities:

1. Gross description of small, uncomplicated specimens are recorded where appropriate, using specific terminology according to procedures.
2. Surgical specimen containers and requisitions submitted for histological evaluation are checked for accuracy before acceptance by the Histology department.
3. Surgical specimens are numbered and prepared for gross examination.
4. Surgical specimens are entered into the pathology computer system accurately and timely in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
5. Prepares equipment and reagents for the processing, embedding, microtome cutting, mounting and cover-slipping of tissue.
6. Operates all laboratory equipment per standard operating procedures to ensure accurate patient test results.
7. Prepares, processes, embeds, cuts, and stains tissue to provide high quality slides to the pathologist for diagnosis of disease.
8. Follows established procedures to perform all histopathological tests in a timely and accurate manner (including all levels of complexity as defined by CLIA).
9. Performs various quality control procedures to maintain compliance with departmental procedures and external regulations.
10. Histology equipment and instrumentation is maintained to ensure optimal functionality. All maintenance is properly documented on a daily basis.
11. Departmental logs are maintained on a daily basis and surgical blocks / slides are filed appropriately.
12. Responsible for performing clerical functions in the absence of the transcriptionist or histology technician assistant.
13. Place orders in the pathology computer system for special procedures and package specimen to be sent to the reference laboratory per departmental procedures.
14. Prepare cytology specimens for transport to a reference laboratory.
15. Is able to solve most technical problems and handle difficult situations with little to no supervision.
16. Orients and instructs new employees and students in histology laboratory operations and procedures.
17. Completes all competencies, proficiency testing, required education / reading and annual paperwork in a timely manner. Participates in appropriate role in disaster, fire drills, fires and other emergency situations.
18. Participates in annual HIPAA training requirements and maintains confidentiality of all personal health information (PHI).
19. Communicates in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family and visitors in accordance with the CARES Hospital Service Excellence Standards.
20. Utilize various laboratory and hospital information systems and software.
21. Assist with maintaining sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment for performance of duties. Notifies appropriate person when supply levels fall to reorder levels.
22. Meets established productivity standards.
23. Facilitates and promotes the sharing of knowledge and content throughout departments.
24. Takes responsibility for ensuring that all work outcomes satisfy the UMass Memorial Health System True North.
25. The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and serve as a role model for CARES values.
26. Adheres to change control processes.
27. Participates in cross training to optimize department resources.
28. Demonstrates excellent attendance and actively participates in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
29. Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers.
30. Communicates ideas effectively. Shares information and keeps others properly informed. Gives, and is open to useful feedback.
31. Adheres to the HealthAlliance Hospital Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards and dress code.
32. Complies with established environment of care/safety policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
33. Maintains and fosters an organized, clean and safe work environment.
34. Contributes to the development and application of process improvements.
35. Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group's achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment.
36. Attends staff meetings and in-service programs as required or directed. Keeps current with hospital and unit changes by reading communication boards and/or books, bulletin boards, posted notices and reads and responds to e mails on a regular basis.
37. Practices cost containment and fiscal responsibility through the efficient use of supplies, equipment, time, etc.
38. Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
39. Attends variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
40. Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
41. Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
42. Respects diverse views and approaches, and contributes in maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
43. Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

All responsibilities are essential job functions.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:
Required:
1. A high school diploma and completion of an accredited Histology program, or an Associate's degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.
2. Certification from a nationally recognized accreditation agency: NCA (National Certification Agency), ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or equivalent

Experience/Skills:
Required:
1. Professional knowledge of histology principals, theory and methodology sufficient to perform clinical laboratory procedures.
2. Ability to endure periods of heavy workload and stress.
3. Ability to accept constructive feedback and initiate appropriate actions to correct situations.
4. Must possess ability to coordinate eyes and hands to fingers rapidly and accurately in making precise movements with speed.
5. Must be able to read, write and speak clearly in English.
6. A minimum of 1 year of clinical histology experience.

A recent graduate of an accredited Histology program or equivalent who is certification eligible must take the accreditation exam within the first year of employment.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies, including age-specific competencies and their measurements will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.

III. Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

Constantly:
- Working indoors, high stress level, color vision
- Precise motor skills, hearing, vision

Frequently:
- Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, repetitive movements

Occasionally:
- Pushing, pulling, twisting, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, grasping, temperature extremes
- Lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing 0-50 pounds

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.