Histologist

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Prepares histological slides by examining, fixing and processing human tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by Pathologist. Individuals may use specialized dyes to stain samples, bringing out cellular structures for pathologists to identify abnormal cells and monitor cell functions. Applies technical theory to provide overall operational support necessary to maintain and optimize testing activities. Mentors new histology technicians and assists with training.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS:

Must meet requirements of at least one of the routes listed below

Route 1
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree.

AND

Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program within the last five years

Route 2
 

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree.

AND

One year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years OR completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least nine months that includes both classroom (didactic) training and a minimum of 480 hours of acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years.

Route 3
Valid HT (ASCP) certification

AND

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university.

AND

Six months of full time acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years

Route 4

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree.

AND
 

Successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military Histotechnician or Histotechnologist training course within the last ten years.

Certification
Prior to January 1, 2004, all individuals must have met educational requirements and have completed certification through ASCP for Histotechnologist (HTL)

All individuals who are newly ASCP certified after January 1, 2004, must maintain ongoing certification.

All individuals must have completed certification OR be registry eligible and complete certification within one year of hire through ASCP for Histotechnologist.

Required Experience:

Must have experience, within the last five years, in the following areas: Fixation, Embedding/Microtomy, Processing, Staining, and Laboratory Operations.

Requirements

• Employees must demonstrate competencies specific to populations served for clinical or non-clinical dependent upon laboratory location.
• Each individual must demonstrate initial competency for proper performance of pre-analytical, analytic, and post-analytical phases of testing dependent upon department assignment. Once competency is demonstrated, direct supervision is not required for specimen processing, test performance or result reporting. Semi-annual competency will be assessed within first year of hire and annually thereafter.
• Must be able to operate and perform basic computer programs associated with documentation and record keeping in the department
• Must demonstrate a degree of independent judgment and critical thinking, consulting with the histotechnologist or department leader(s) when appropriate.
• Must be able to move from task to task, maintaining quality and efficiency
• Requires strong verbal skills.
• Requires courtesy, tact, and good customer service orientation
• Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail and maintain a positive attitude
• Adhere to Bronson’s mission, values, fundamentals, strategies, vision and minimum working requirements (i.e. TB testing, flu shots, etc.).

Role and Responsibilities

• Responsible for specimen processing, test performance and/or for reporting test results.
• Performs only testing that they have trained in and demonstrated competency for.
• Follows the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, and maintaining the records of patients processed.
• Follows good laboratory practices with reagent stability and storage.
• Adheres to the laboratory’s chemical and biohazardous safety policies and procedures.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies and document all quality control activities.
• Verifies instrument functionality by checking, performing maintenance, calibrating specific lab instruments and troubleshooting as required on assigned analyzers according to procedure.
• Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the supervisor prior to proceeding..
• Demonstrates through proficiency testing samples that all testing is performed in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when process (es) deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• May be delegated by department leader to help in evaluating and selecting new testing methods and instrumentation.
• Participates in Laboratory Quality Program activities.
• Assists in orienting and training any new laboratory employees in pre-analytical, analytical (waived, moderate and high complexity), and post-analytical phases of testing as appropriate to job description.
• Assists in training and precepting laboratory HT or HLT students. 
• Assist in laboratory tours and with individuals approved to shadow laboratory department(s).
• Advocate for self and fellow employees when safety concerns are identified by documenting appropriately.
• May be requested to alter start time, shift, department(s), and/or site depending on patient care needs.
• May be assigned regulatory responsibilities as listed and evaluated on the CLIA Roles competency evaluation.
• The laboratory director may delegate the dissection of specimens to non-pathologist individuals; these individuals must be qualified as high complexity testing personnel under CLIA regulations and have 3 months on the job documented training. These individuals must demonstrate initial competency for proper performance. Once competency is demonstrated, direct supervision is not required. Semi-annual competency will be assessed within first year and annually thereafter.

Working Conditions

• Be part of a team oriented environment that includes problem solving and creative thinking.
• Must follow laboratory safety policies and procedures due to potential for occupational exposure to infectious materials, including but not limited to: blood and other potentially infectious materials.
• Work in an environment with some exposure to noxious fumes and unpleasant noises.
• Work in an environment with risk of sustaining illness and injury from the use of chemicals and biological materials and organisms.
• Working irregular hours, including mandatory overtime, holidays, weekends and on-call hours.
• In rare extreme circumstances, employee could experience the following:          
• Work which produces high levels of mental/visual fatigue, e.g., interactive and repetitive or small detailed work requiring alertness and concentration for sustained periods of time, the operation of and full attention to personal computer between 40-70 percent of the time.
• Involves considerable standing or walking, regular lifting of light-weight objects (20lbs or less), and assisting with heavier tasks as necessary (could include lifting and assisting patients).
• Working conditions could include minor straining, fatiguing positions, physical motions, etc.

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