Job Summary
The Histology Technician is responsible for preparing, processing, and analyzing tissue specimens to support accurate diagnosis and treatment. This role requires expertise in Mohs frozen section and permanent section preparation, special staining techniques, and compliance with laboratory safety and regulatory standards. The technician also assists with surgical support tasks and trains new personnel in histology procedures.
Key Responsibilities
- Demonstrate full competency in Mohs frozen section preparation, including mapping, labeling, grossing, inking, embedding, sectioning, staining, and cover slipping.
- Perform permanent section preparation, including grossing, labeling, processing, embedding in paraffin, sectioning, staining, and cover slipping.
- Prepare, perform, and troubleshoot special stain solutions.
- Handle, store, preserve, and identify specimens according to established protocols.
- Coordinate, maintain, and document specialized equipment maintenance.
- Perform, evaluate, and record quality control and assurance procedures, documenting corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and CLIA requirements and maintain accurate records.
- Research and manage safe use of chemicals and equipment in the Mohs lab.
- Train staff on biohazard and pharmaceutical waste handling.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and maintain a disinfected work area.
- Assist with surgical prep, bandaging, patient discharge, and exam room turnover.
- Train new personnel in Mohs histology procedures and techniques.
- Order supplies for the lab and organize waste pick-up.
- Redeploy to alternative sites or main lab when the Mohs surgeon is unavailable.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of a Histology Technician training program or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated competency in frozen and permanent section preparation.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety, OSHA, and CLIA regulations.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Must have at least 2 years of recent experience in the specialty within the past 2 years.
Preferred Qualifications (if any)
- Prior experience in Mohs surgery laboratory settings.
- Familiarity with special staining techniques and troubleshooting.
- Experience training or mentoring new staff.
Certifications (if any)
- Certified Histology Technician (HT) – preferred.
- Certified Histotechnologist (HTL) – preferred.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) – preferred depending on facility requirements.