Histology Technician I

Job Title: Histology Technician I
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Schedule: Part-Time | Day Shift | 7:00 AM–3:30 PM | Approximately 20 Hours per Week
Hours: 40 hours per pay period | Five 8-hour shifts every two weeks
Weekend Requirement: Approximately one Saturday per month, with a weekday off when scheduled
Pay Range: $29.30–$34.47 per hour
Weekend Differential: +$2.50 per hour
Sign-On Bonus: $2,500 with a one-year commitment | $5,000 with a two-year commitment | $10,000 with a three-year commitment
New Graduates: Welcome to apply

Job Overview

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Histology Technician I to join its Pathology Laboratory team in Peoria, Illinois.

The Histology Technician will prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, with primary responsibilities including embedding and microtomy. Depending on experience and competency, the technologist may also assist with special stains, frozen sections, reagent preparation, quality assurance, and other histology procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for either an experienced Histology Technician or a qualified new graduate looking to develop specialized skills in a dedicated hospital-based histology laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fixed and frozen tissue specimens for microscopic examination
• Embed tissue specimens according to established laboratory protocols
• Cut tissue sections using microtomy techniques
• Float and mount tissue sections onto glass slides
• Perform staining procedures and special stains based on training and competency
• Evaluate staining quality and recognize technical issues requiring correction
• Receive, identify, log, and release tissue specimens according to laboratory procedures
• Verify patient and specimen information for accuracy
• Assist pathologists with gross examinations and specimen preparation as assigned
• Assist with autopsy-related specimen preparation when needed
• Prepare laboratory reagents and solutions according to established formulas and procedures
• Maintain appropriate quantities of reagents and laboratory supplies
• Catalogue, organize, and file pathology slides
• Prepare specimens for outside consultation and process returned results
• Perform routine maintenance on histology instruments and equipment
• Document equipment maintenance and quality-assurance activities
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment
• Follow universal blood and body-fluid precautions and chemical safety procedures
• Participate in laboratory quality-improvement initiatives
• Assist with training students, laboratory assistants, and new employees as assigned
• Maintain knowledge of current histology practices, techniques, and laboratory standards

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree in a science-related field
• Eligibility to meet applicable histotechnology education and certification requirements
• Completion of, or ability to complete, a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program as required
• ASCP Histotechnician certification, or ability to obtain certification within one year of employment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to specimen accuracy
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and infection-control procedures
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work effectively with pathologists, technologists, laboratory assistants, and other clinical personnel
• Ability to work the assigned daytime schedule and rotating Saturday coverage

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in a science-related field
• Current ASCP Histotechnician certification
• Completion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnology program
• One or more years of Histology Technician experience
• Experience with tissue embedding and microtomy
• Experience performing special stains
• Previous hospital pathology or histology laboratory experience

Qualified new graduates may be considered.

Department Information

The Histology laboratory includes approximately:

• 22 Histology Technicians
• 7 Laboratory Assistants
• Dedicated Histology testing and specimen preparation

The primary workload for this position consists of tissue cutting and embedding, with opportunities to perform special stains depending on experience and equipment competency.

Schedule Information

• Approximately 20 hours per week
• Five 8-hour shifts every two weeks
• Day shift: 7:00 AM–3:30 PM
• Approximately one Saturday morning per month
• When scheduled on Saturday, an available weekday off is provided during the same workweek
• No routine on-call requirement
• Holiday coverage is uncommon; when required, applicable premium pay may apply

Benefits & Incentives

• Sign-on bonus options:
• $2,500 with a one-year commitment
• $5,000 with a two-year commitment
• $10,000 with a three-year commitment
• Competitive hourly compensation
• $2.50 per hour weekend differential
• Health and wellness benefits based on eligibility
• Retirement savings programs
• Paid time off based on employment status
• Continuing-education and professional-development opportunities
• Support toward required Histology certification
• Career advancement opportunities within Laboratory and Pathology Services

If you are a Histology Technician—or a new graduate beginning your histology career—who takes pride in precision, specimen quality, and supporting accurate pathology diagnosis, we would love to hear from you.