Tri-City Medical Center has served San Diego County’s coastal communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, as well as the surrounding region for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. Tri-City is administered by the Tri-City Healthcare District, a California Hospital District. As a full-service acute care public hospital with over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community. 

Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter, Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. Tri-City partners with over 90 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the department Technical Specialist or Laboratory Operations Manager, this position is accountable to prepare surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination by the Pathologist. The incumbent in this position will support the mission, vision, values and strategic initiatives of TCMC and must demonstrate a commitment to quality service to patients, physicians, and co-workers.

Major Position Responsibilities:

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

• Fixes, embeds, and cuts tissue for routine, histochemical, IHC, and special stain procedures..
• Assists the pathologist with cryosectioning and/or X-ray, as needed, for rapid diagnosis of surgical specimens.
• Assists in the research and development of new staining techniques and other procedures as needed
• Assists in teaching Histology principles and techniques to all new Histology assistants including cutting of tissue sections (frozen and paraffin) and routine and special staining.
• Prepares specimens and accompanying paperwork for send out tests.
• Prepares all necessary fixatives, stains, and other solutions and ensures a supply of working materials is maintained.
• Responsible for equipment operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training.
• Aids Histology Laboratory Assistants with special problems and assumes duties designated to Histology Laboratory Assistants as necessary. Assists in teaching histology principles and techniques to all new Histology Laboratory Assistants including cutting of tissue sections (frozen and paraffin) and routine and special staining.
• Responsible for all equipment, knowledgeable in all aspects of their operation, responsible for their maintenance and teaching correct use to all Laboratory personnel.
• Ensure all corporate safety, quality control and quality assurance standards are met.
• Performs other functions as assigned and/or required.

Safety and Infection Control Responsibilities

• Responsible to maintain a safe and clean work environment, including unit based specific safety and infection control requirements.

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years’ experience working in a Histology Lab.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED, required.
• Associate’s degree in biological science or equivalent, preferred.

Certification:

• Certified Histotechnician HT (ASCP) or equivalent, preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of certification.

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work.

*Salary/Hourly Wage range based on experience.

To protect the health of patients and staff, and to comply with the new State of California mandates, all job offers are contingent on the successful engagement in the TCMC COVID-19 vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral.)

TCHD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.