Associate Histology Technician at Sanford Health: Your Path to a Meaningful Career in Sioux Falls, SD

Role Overview

As an Associate Histology Technician at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you will play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. You'll be responsible for preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists. This involves a series of precise and critical steps, including embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting tissues onto slides. Your work directly impacts patient care, providing essential information for accurate diagnoses.

A Day in the Life

Your day will be dynamic and varied, with tasks including: * **Specimen Preparation:** Receiving and preparing tissue samples, ensuring proper fixation and handling. * **Embedding:** Embedding tissue samples in paraffin wax or other media to provide support for sectioning. * **Microtomy:** Using a microtome to cut extremely thin sections of embedded tissue. * **Staining:** Performing various staining techniques (e.g., Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), special stains) to highlight different cellular components. * **Mounting:** Mounting stained tissue sections onto glass slides for microscopic examination. * **Quality Control:** Ensuring the quality of stained slides by microscopic evaluation and adherence to quality control protocols. * **Equipment Maintenance:** Performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. * **Data Management:** Entering and tracking specimen information in the laboratory information system (LIS). * **Safety Compliance:** Adhering to all safety regulations and protocols in the laboratory. * **Collaboration:** Working closely with pathologists, histotechnologists, and other laboratory staff. This PRN position offers flexibility, with approximately 15-20 hours per week, primarily on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with occasional Mondays or Fridays. Your work will directly support the Mohs surgeon and the Histology Technologist in the lab, contributing to efficient and accurate dermatological diagnoses.

Why Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

Sioux Falls is a vibrant and growing city offering a high quality of life. Here's why it's a great place to live and work: * **Affordable Living:** Compared to many other cities in the United States, Sioux Falls offers a significantly lower cost of living, making it easier to afford housing, transportation, and other essential expenses. * **Strong Job Market:** Sioux Falls has a robust and diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. This creates ample job opportunities across various sectors. * **Excellent Schools:** The city boasts a strong education system, with highly rated public and private schools, as well as several colleges and universities. * **Outdoor Recreation:** Sioux Falls offers a wide range of outdoor activities, with numerous parks, trails, and recreational areas. The Big Sioux River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. * **Cultural Attractions:** The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, and music venues offering a variety of entertainment options. * **Family-Friendly Environment:** Sioux Falls is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous activities for children and families. * **Community Spirit:** The city has a strong sense of community, with friendly residents and a welcoming atmosphere. * **Convenient Location:** Sioux Falls is centrally located in the Midwest, making it easy to travel to other major cities in the region.

Career Path

Sanford Health provides ample opportunities for career advancement. As an Associate Histology Technician, you can advance to: * **Histotechnologist:** With additional education and certification, you can become a Histotechnologist, performing more complex histological procedures and supervising other technicians. * **Lead Histology Technician:** With experience and leadership skills, you can advance to a leadership role, overseeing the daily operations of the histology laboratory. * **Laboratory Supervisor/Manager:** With further education and experience, you can move into a supervisory or management role, overseeing multiple laboratory departments. Sanford Health also encourages continuing education and professional development, providing opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge throughout your career.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for an Associate Histology Technician in Sioux Falls, SD, is $40,000 to $55,000 per year. Sanford Health also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy. * **Paid Time Off:** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays to allow for rest and relaxation. * **Retirement Plan:** A 401(k) or pension plan to help you save for the future. * **Life Insurance:** Coverage to protect your loved ones in the event of your death. * **Disability Insurance:** Income protection if you become disabled and unable to work. * **Flexible Spending Account (FSA):** An account to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare expenses. * **Health Savings Account (HSA):** A tax-advantaged savings account for healthcare expenses. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development. * **Employee Discounts:** Discounts on various products and services, including healthcare, travel, and entertainment. * **Wellness Programs:** Programs to promote employee health and well-being.

Sanford Health Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment. Here are some key aspects of Sanford Health's culture: * **Patient-Centered Care:** Sanford Health puts patients first, providing compassionate and high-quality care. * **Teamwork:** Sanford Health fosters a collaborative environment where employees work together to achieve common goals. * **Innovation:** Sanford Health encourages innovation and creativity, constantly seeking new ways to improve patient care and healthcare delivery. * **Professional Development:** Sanford Health invests in its employees, providing opportunities for growth and development. * **Diversity and Inclusion:** Sanford Health values diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all employees. * **Community Involvement:** Sanford Health is committed to giving back to the community, supporting various charitable organizations and initiatives.

How to Apply

To apply for the Associate Histology Technician position at Sanford Health, please visit the Sanford Health careers website and search for the job title or location. Follow the online instructions to submit your application and resume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Associate Histology Technician position at Sanford Health: 1. **What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** *An associate's degree in Laboratory Science or Biological Science is required. 2. **Is prior experience required?** *Prior experience in a histology laboratory setting is preferred but not always required. 3. **What are the typical working hours for this position?** *This is a PRN position with approximately 15-20 hours per week, primarily on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with occasional Mondays or Fridays. 4. **What are the opportunities for career advancement?** *Opportunities for advancement include Histotechnologist, Lead Histology Technician, and Laboratory Supervisor/Manager. 5. **What is the salary range for this position?** *The estimated salary range is $40,000 to $55,000 per year. 6. **What benefits are offered by Sanford Health?** *Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, and more. 7. **What is the work environment like at Sanford Health?** *Sanford Health fosters a collaborative, patient-centered, and innovative work environment. 8. **How do I apply for this position?** *You can apply online through the Sanford Health careers website. 9. **What if I need an accommodation for the application process?** *Please call 1-877-673-0854 or email talent@sanfordhealth.org. 10. **Is this a union position?** *No, this is not a union position.