Pathology Technician I

Responsible for performing all specimen processing procedures in the Anatomic Pathology department.

Responsibilities

• Perform specimen pickups, cytology processing, preparation of touch prep slides and smears, and STAT cutting sections of frozen tissue within defined turnaround times.
• Demonstrate knowledge of human tissue types and appropriate protocols.
• Provide support for specimen collection procedures including fine needle aspirations and bone marrow collection.
• Maintain gross rooms, stain lines, and restock lab areas.
• Accurately and chronologically file slides and maintain slide filing with constant in-and-out flux based on pathologist and customer needs.
• Ensure quality, productivity, and efficiency while following policies and procedures.
• Assist in autopsy and prepare sections of body tissue for examination by a pathologist to diagnose body dysfunction and malignancy, including preparation of tissue specimens for diagnostic or teaching purposes.
• Occasionally travel to community hospitals for assistance with frozen sections.
• Include weekend and holiday on-call (rotating assignment).
• Receive, verify, accession, and process patient specimens accurately, ensuring specimen integrity and resolving discrepancies.
• Prepare specimens for testing or send-out and transport specimens using appropriate safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, process test requisitions, perform order entry, and document quality control and equipment maintenance activities.
• Provide exceptional customer service and communicate effectively with physicians, pathologists, laboratory staff, and other healthcare professionals.
• Process physician orders, retrieve patient information, and communicate test-related information to authorized personnel.
• Maintain inventory, restock laboratory supplies, organize work areas, and handle chemicals and biohazardous materials safely.
• Adhere to all laboratory safety standards, accreditation requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and maintain inspection readiness.
• Participate in ongoing education and competency training to maintain technical knowledge and support departmental learning initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively with laboratory team members to achieve departmental goals, prioritize workload, and participate in staff meetings.
• Foster a professional, patient-focused work environment.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• 2 Year / Associate Degree in Chemical, Physical, or Biological Science (preferred).
• One year of relevant pathology and/or cytology specimen processing experience (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of current medical terminology to perform a full range of laboratory tasks.
• Ability to communicate with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results.
• Skill in anticipating and reacting calmly to emergency situations.
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, hospital staff, and the public.
• Ability to follow written protocols.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Manual dexterity and motor skills necessary to safely handle, process, and transport laboratory specimens.

Schedule

Mon-Fri 9a-2:30pm