NI-Histologist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

12/29/2025

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-3050AC

Job Title:

NI-Histologist

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Histologist performs all job functions within Histology/Pathology department including routine embedding, microtomy, staining procedures, reagent preparation, and equipment maintenance. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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Embeds tissue with proper orientation and performs microtomy of embedded tissue with minimal artifacts.

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Coordinates and prioritizes workflow to ensure timely testing. Serves as resource and mentor to less experienced staff.

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Prepares, stains (routine, special, and IHC) and cover slips tissue slides from surgical and autopsy sections following established protocols.

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Performs proficiency testing and quality control checks of instruments, solutions and test results recognizing malfunctions and taking appropriate corrective action using established protocols.

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Prepares reagents, stains and other chemical solutions following department protocols with accuracy and proper labeling

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Performs basic Immunohistochemistry using advanced staining instrumentation and manual methods.

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Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment or instruments. Suggests changes to maintenance schedules to meet the needs of the laboratory.

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Performs troubleshooting in all areas. Uses problem solving skills when assessing test result accuracy and reliability to identify causes for unexpected test results.

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Participates in all relevant quality assurance (QA) activities, including reporting sources of error.

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Assists in orientation and training of new employees and students as required.

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Use Laboratory Information System to enter patient demographics, orders, access report information, update billing records and other necessary data entry functions.

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Assists with coverage of the Tissue Lab (accessioning, daily maintenance, disposal of tissues, etc.) as needed.

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Utilizes and maintains reagents and laboratory supplies within established budgetary parameters.

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Assists with performance improvement data collection and participates in process improvement teams as assigned.

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Attends and participates in department and other relevant meetings.

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Participates in continuing education

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Takes responsibility for maintaining safety standards in the lab setting by following hospital and laboratory policy.

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Maintains the functions of a General Supervisor as defined under CLIA guidelines and as delegated by the Laboratory Medical Director.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

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Clinical

Will provide all patients age and culturally appropriate assessment/screening and interpretation of clinical and laboratory data. Develops and implements age appropriate interventional plans of care including education within the parameters of their position responsibilities and licensure

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in Biology or Chemistry –OR- successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnologist or Histologic technician program.

Required

Histotechnician (HT) (ASCP) or Histotechnologist (HTL) (ASCP) certification preferred.

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

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Knowledge of current medical terminology and full range of laboratory tests and equipment.

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Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with medical staff, patients and staff.

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Strong problem solving abilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

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Sedentary: Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10 lbs.

Negligible Weight

No Weight

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Light: Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that they can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.

11-25 lbs.

1 - 10 lbs.

Negligible weight

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Medium: Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that they can also do sedentary and light work.

26-50 lbs.

11-25 lbs.

1 - 10 lbs.

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Heavy: Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. If someone can do heavy work, we determine that they can also do medium, light, and sedentary work.

51-100 lbs.

26-50 lbs.

11-25 lbs.

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Very Heavy: Very heavy work involves lifting objects weighing more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds or more. If someone can do very heavy work, we determine that they can also do heavy, medium, light, and sedentary work.

Over 100 lbs.

Over 50 lbs.

Over 25 lbs.

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.