Histotechnician

We’ve made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed – our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in the gross dissection room and performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts, stains and labels slides.

Education

Required – High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred – Completion of an Associate Degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of   academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of Biology and Chemistry.

Work Experience

Required – 2 years’ experience in Histology OR a ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification

Certifications

Preferred – ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.
• Excellent judgmental skills in order to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.
• Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.
• Ability to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients.
• Experience working independently.
• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.

Job Duties

• Properly orients tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins, are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.
• Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.
• Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.
• Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides and documents on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date for special stains.
• Completes Pathologist’s, Supervisor’s and management team’s requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.
• Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required.
• Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Other related duties as required. 

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

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical essential functions of this job include (but are not limited to) the following:  Frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Washington, and Washington D.C.

Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, pregnancy status, pregnancy-related conditions, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, age, veteran status, military status, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. These protections extend to applicants and all employment related decisions. View the EEO is the Law poster and its supplement, as well as the pay transparency policy for more information. 

Affirmative Action Policy Statement