Histotechnician/Histotechnologist

About the Role

As a Histotechnologist or Histology Technician, you’ll play a vital role behind the scenes, preparing high-quality tissue samples that support accurate diagnoses and life-changing treatment decisions. Bring precision, technical expertise, and attention to detail to a high-volume histology laboratory where your work directly supports patient care. You’ll perform routine histology responsibilities including embedding, microtomy, and special stains, while rotating through specialized areas such as muscle enzyme histochemistry. This role offers variety, opportunities to expand your technical skills, and the chance to work alongside a supportive team. Once fully trained, you’ll process approximately 40–60 blocks per hour, balancing efficiency with the accuracy and quality essential to diagnostic care.

We will hire our histology laboratory personnel into one of two job titles based on educational background, certification, and experience: Histology Technician or Histotechnologist.

The caregiver in this role works evenings, 6:00pm—2:30am.

Histology Technician Responsibilities

• Prepare, process, embed, and section tissue specimens using standard histology equipment, including microtomes and cryostats
• Perform routine and specialized staining procedures, including histochemical and enzyme stains
• Mount, label, and distribute slides for pathologist review
• Maintain laboratory equipment, perform daily maintenance, and coordinate repairs as needed
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and solutions to support testing procedures
• Accurately document patient and specimen data, maintain records, and track lab statistics
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and quality control of lab instruments and workspaces
• Support training and serve as a resource for students, trainees, and residents

Histology Technician Requirements

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification eligible in the field of Histology

Preferred qualifications:

• One year of experience

Histotechnologist Responsibilities

• Perform routine and developmental immunochemistry and molecular laboratory techniques
• Analyze and evaluate assays for sensitivity and specificity
• Embed and prepare sections for various procedures by cutting frozen or paraffin-embedded tissue
• Transport tissue specimens to the laboratory
• Perform immunohistochemical and in-situ hybridization procedures, including handling and storing probes and antibodies
• Mount, label, and distribute prepared microscope slides
• Prepare reagent buffers, solutions, and stains
• Replace reagents and perform daily maintenance on automated instrumentation
• File surgical and autopsy blocks used for immunohistochemical techniques

Histotechnologist Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field or meet the CLIA qualifications for Histotechnologist (HTL)
• Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification or certification eligible by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and bloodborne pathogens

Preferred qualifications:

• Hands-on laboratory experience from an accredited Histotechnology school or one year of prior histology laboratory experience

Physical Requirements

• Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity when handling specimens, slides, and utilizing instrumentation
• Ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous, and other hazardous materials
• Typical physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, or walk extensively

Personal Protective Equipment

Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay

The pay range for new hires is $26.25–$36.13 per hour. Individual pay rates may vary based on licensure level, certification, and relevant experience. The range does not include applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime) or the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental, vision, retirement savings account contributions).