Histotechnician I

Job Summary

Preparation of slides from tissue and other specimens from inpatient, outpatient, and Doctor’s offices for examination by Pathologist.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
Minimum Years of Experience: 1 Year of full time experience in an accredited histopathology laboratory including experience in fixation, microtomy, processing, embedding, and staining
Substitutable Education & Experience: 1 Year of experience can be substituted for graduation from a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program
Required Certifications/Licensure: None
Required Training: None

Essential Functions

  • Embed processed tissues into paraffin, selecting proper size base mold and correctly orienting tissue.
  • Cut paraffin embedded blocks and prepare tissue slides for staining using appropriate protocol for number and depth of sections and slides.
  • Cut frozen sections and prepare tissue slides for rapid diagnostic interpretation by the Pathologist.
  • Perform routine and special staining of tissue slides by manual or automated methods using appropriate control slides.
  • Prepare a variety of solutions according to written protocols.
  • Process cell blocks from cytology specimens.
  • Prepare tissue slides for immunohistochemistry and maintain appropriate controls.
  • File blocks and slides by accession numbers for easy retrieval.
  • Pull slides and tissue specimens for consultants.
  • Record daily temperature readings and maintain daily task worksheets.
  • Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of all instruments.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Perform instrument troubleshooting, repair, and adjustment as appropriate.
  • Perform assigned work efficiently and accurately in a timely organized manner.
  • Produce a maximum of work with minimal supervision.
  • Respond professionally and courteously when communicating with patients, visitors, or other hospital staff.
  • Demonstrate good listening skills by accurately performing tasks without instructions.
  • Maintain an optimistic and professional image and exhibit excellent customer relations to patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers. Show courtesy, compassion and respect.
  • Conform to Service Excellence Policy and “House Rules.”
  • Inventory of supplies replenishing stock.
  • Maintain department accreditation criteria.
  • Perform all other  duties as assigned by authorized personnel or as required in an emergency.
  • Adhere to safety procedures and policies as set forth by Lexington Medical Center, state or federal regulations.
  • Ensure Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals are discarded, stored, and managed with other compatible waste streams in containers that are properly labeled and closed prior to being shipped offsite for proper disposal.  Initial RCRA training is received within 6 months of the hire date and continuing with annual RCRA training.
  • Observe assigned work schedule.


Nearest Major Market: Columbia
Nearest Secondary Market: South Carolina