Histechnician

Job description

About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo-natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility.
Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch.
We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities.
Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org .
Centralus Health Mission
Our mission is to deliver high-quality care; empower our teams to success and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Job Summary
A Histotechnician prepares and processes surgical and cytology specimens to produce high-quality microscopic slides for diagnosis by the pathologist. Responsibilities may also include gross examination of uncomplicated specimens and participation in postmortem examinations. This role performs standardized laboratory procedures with minimal supervision, exercises independent judgment, and contributes to high standards of quality, safety, and customer service.
Essential Job Functions
• Perform accurate embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping of anatomic pathology specimens.
• Process specimens for additional studies (e.g., special stains, immunohistochemistry, and send-out testing) as requested.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, accessioning, and specimen integrity throughout processing.
• Assist with intraoperative consultations under pathologist direction.
• Operate, maintain, and document preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Identify, correct, or promptly report issues affecting test performance or result reporting; fully document corrective actions.
• Comply with all laboratory, hospital, corporate compliance, infection prevention, safety, Joint Commission, New York State, and HIPAA requirements.
• Maintain professional competency through required continuing education (minimum 12 CE hours annually), training activities, and mandatory education programs.
• Maintain compliance with Employee Health and Occupational Medicine policies (i.e., PPD testing and Influenza vaccination).

Additional Responsibilities
• Maintain slide, block, and specimen retention and retrieval systems in accordance with departmental policy.
• Appropriately discard specimens and biohazardous materials according to laboratory policy.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels, resolve ordering issues, and participate in inventory management initiatives.
• Support quality improvement activities, including validation of new processes and reagents, and policy/procedure review.
• Perform gross examination of uncomplicated surgical specimens and/or assist with postmortem examinations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Important Note: (*) indicates an essential function of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Essential functions are the core duties that are fundamental to the position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Success Factors
• Demonstrates technical competence with laboratory equipment and hospital information systems; troubleshoots issues effectively.
• Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Upholds patient and employee confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Adheres strictly to safety protocols, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as formalin and xylene.
• Maintains professional, respectful, and customer-focused interactions with patients, providers, and colleagues.
• Consistently follows all applicable policies, procedures, regulatory standards, and quality control requirements.

Education / Experience Qualifications
Required:
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in histology or a related science, plus completion of a NYS-recognized histotechnician certificate program.
• Current or eligible NYS Histotechnician license, or NYS Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Technician license with relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to prioritize workload.

Preferred:
• Minimum of one (1) year of histotechnician experience.

Physical Requirements
• Repetitive use of hand and upper-body; prolonged sitting and/or standing.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Regular exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and laboratory chemicals.