Histology Surgical Education Coordinator

General Summary

Facilitates the training of new histology surgical personnel and individuals hired as Anatomic Laboratory Technician-Histology. Processes specimens for analysis and performs specified laboratory procedures under the supervision of department leadership.

Principal Job Functions

• Demonstrates competency and proficiency with respect to all histology surgical procedures; maintains knowledge of policy, technical, and procedural changes.
• Coaches and mentors all new histology surgical employees.
• Leads and coordinates the histology surgical training program for all newly hired personnel and individuals hired as Anatomic Laboratory Technician-Histology, including on-the-job training and traditional coursework.
• Assists in the development and updating of training requirements and materials, may revise curriculum of training program as needed in collaboration with department leadership.
• Administers, performs, and maintains accurate documentation of training and competency assessments for histology surgical department as required by standard operating procedures.
• Supports all histology surgical personnel with routine histology methodology and quality improvement concerns.
• Provides an appropriate climate for learning to promote individual or group mastery of competencies and to convey laboratory operational principles accurately and concisely in classroom and laboratory settings.
• Supports department leadership in the implementation of new procedures or processes through training and communication activities.
• Completes cases for pathologists in a timely manner, following stated guidelines and methodologies.
• Stains slides of specimens to enhance visibility under microscope.
• Accurately embeds surgical specimens in a timely effective manner with high quality.
• Sections surgical paraffin block tissue utilizing a microtome in a timely effective manner with high quality.
• Operates, rotates and cleans laboratory equipment (i.e., microtomes, tissue processors, recyclers, H&E stainers, immunohistochemistry stainers, etc.).
• Performs stains and quality control on special stains and immunohistochemistry stains.
• Examines slides under a microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
• Studies slides under a microscope to detect deviations of technical and stain quality and report abnormalities for further study to department leadership or a pathologist.
• Assists in departmental troubleshooting under guidance of department leadership.
• Works collaboratively with all laboratory staff to ensure completion of testing and communication of necessary information to assist testing completion.
• Provides direction and serves as a resource for department staff.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of the latest trends in field of expertise.
• Participates in meetings, committees and department projects as assigned.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Maintains clinical competency as required for the unit including but not limited to age-specific competencies relative to patient’s growth and developmental needs, annual skill competency verification and mandatory education and competencies.
• Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Ability to work independently and is cross trained in all areas of histology surgical department.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform crucial conversations with desired outcomes.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel and medical staff.
• Ability to problem solve and engage independent critical thinking skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Education And Experience

• Education and training must meet or exceed the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards for High Complexity Testing equivalent to 60 semester hours from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses or 24 semester hours of science courses that include: Six (6) semester hours of chemistry Six (6) semester hours of biology Twelve (12) additional semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology courses in any combination.
• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or successful completion of a formally recognized Histotechnician training program preferred.
• Three (3) years recent work experience in a histology laboratory required.
• Two (2) years previous experience as trainer/educator in a medical laboratory required.

Other Credentials / Certifications

• Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification maintenance required.