How to Be Histology Section Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 9, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of a Histology Section Supervisor can have a significant impact on the quality of the histology lab. Without a supervisor to oversee the section, there is no one to ensure that the technicians are properly trained, that the equipment is functioning correctly, and that the lab is in compliance with necessary safety regulations. This can lead to inaccurate results, costly errors, and even dangerous working conditions.

Furthermore, it can also reduce employee morale and lead to higher employee turnover rates. To ensure the highest standards of safety and quality, it is essential to have a qualified and experienced supervisor in place to manage the Histology Section.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a histology section supervisor, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in histology or a related field, such as biology or chemistry. This degree program should include coursework in anatomy and physiology, laboratory techniques, and histology.
Obtain Certification. Once you have completed your degree, you should become certified as a histotechnologist or histotechnician. This certification is available through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). To become certified, you must first pass an exam.
Gain Work Experience. After you have obtained certification, you should gain work experience in a histology laboratory. As a histotechnologist or histotechnician, you will be responsible for preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination. During this time, you should also work to develop your leadership skills.
Pursue Advanced Training. In order to become a histology section supervisor, you must pursue additional training and education. This may include taking courses in lab management and leadership, as well as participating in workshops and seminars.
Seek Employment. After you have gained the necessary training and experience, you can seek employment as a histology section supervisor. Most employers require that applicants have at least five years of experience in a histology laboratory. Employers may also require that applicants have a master's degree in histology or a related field.

Having a reliable and capable histology section supervisor is essential for the successful operation of any histology laboratory. The supervisor must have a thorough knowledge of the field, including experience in tissue preparation and staining techniques, as well as an understanding of tissue analysis and pathology. the supervisor must possess strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills in order to handle daily tasks, as well as unforeseen issues that may arise.

Working with a competent histology section supervisor ensures that laboratory procedures are followed correctly, results are accurate and all regulatory requirements are met. With their expertise, supervisors ensure that all staff members are properly trained in proper techniques, safety protocols and other protocols specific to the lab. Furthermore, having a reliable and capable supervisor in place allows for improved efficiency, resulting in increased productivity and higher quality work.

You may want to check Histology Laboratory Supervisor, Electron Microscopist, and Clinical Histologist for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure that all laboratory personnel performing histology tasks are properly trained and competent to perform the necessary duties.
Monitor and evaluate the performance of laboratory personnel to ensure quality control standards are met.
Monitor and maintain quality assurance protocols for all histology procedures.
Oversee the daily operation of the histology laboratory, including the preparation of specimens, slides, and laboratory reagents.
Coordinate with other laboratory departments to ensure proper communication of laboratory results.
Develop and implement laboratory procedures and protocols as needed.
Maintain accurate records of laboratory tests and results.
Perform general laboratory maintenance, including ordering and stocking supplies as needed.
Troubleshoot any histology-related issues that arise in the laboratory.
Ensure a safe and sanitary working environment in the laboratory.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of histology techniques, procedures, and equipment
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols
Ability to manage and assign tasks to staff
Proven experience in quality control
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Working knowledge of relevant regulations and standards
Ability to analyze and interpret data
Strong organizational skills
Ability to develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of laboratory information systems

Having strong leadership skills is critical for a Histology Section Supervisor. Good communication and problem-solving abilities are essential for successful management of the section, as these skills allow supervisors to work with their team to effectively identify issues and develop strategies for resolving them. a supervisor must foster an environment of collaboration and trust in order to ensure that everyone is working together to achieve the best possible outcome.

Time management is also key, as supervisors are responsible for ensuring tasks are completed on time and to the required standard. Lastly, supervisors must be able to remain calm under pressure and remain impartial when making decisions. These skills, when combined, provide the foundation for a successful Histology Section Supervisor.

Cytopathology Technician, Cytogenetic Technologist, and Histology Lab Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in a supervisory role?
How would you describe your leadership style?
What do you think are the key responsibilities of a Histology Section Supervisor?
How do you ensure that laboratory protocols and regulations are followed?
How do you handle conflicts between lab personnel?
What strategies do you use to motivate employees?
What experience do you have in developing and managing budgets?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in the lab.
How would you handle a situation where the lab staff was not meeting expectations?
How do you stay current on new laboratory procedures and regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Microtome. A tool used to cut and section tissue samples into thin slices for microscopic analysis. (E. g: Leica RM2255 Microtome)
Stereomicroscope. A device used to magnify specimens for viewing and manipulation, often used to prepare tissue samples for further examination. (E. g: Olympus SZX7 Stereomicroscope)
Cryostat. A tool used to freeze specimens for sectioning with a microtome. (E. g: Leica CM1950 Cryostat)
Histology Dyes. A variety of dyes used to identify and distinguish different structures within a tissue sample. (E. g: Hematoxylin & Eosin Dyes)
Hematology Analyzer. A tool used to measure the number and other characteristics of blood cells in a sample. (E. g: Sysmex XN-Series Hematology Analyzer)
Immunohistochemistry Assays. A set of techniques used to visualize specific proteins within a tissue sample. (E. g: Ventana Benchmark XT Immunohistochemistry Assay)
Automated Slide Stainer. A device used to quickly and accurately stain slides for microscopic analysis. (E. g: Ventana Discovery Ultra Automated Slide Stainer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
Association for Clinical Histotechnology (ACH)
American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)
American Society for Cytotechnology (ASC)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)

We also have Microscopy Technician, Flow Cytometry Technologist, and Molecular Histologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues.
Microscopy. The use of a microscope to observe small objects.
Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Specimen Preparation. The process of preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination.
Histological Staining. The process of staining tissue samples to enhance contrast and allow easier visualization under a microscope.
Immunohistochemistry. The use of antibodies to visualize specific proteins in a sample.
Tissue Processing. The process of obtaining a tissue sample for microscopic examination.
Embedding. The process of impregnating a tissue sample in a medium for sectioning.
Sectioning. The process of cutting thin slices from an embedded sample to be mounted on a slide for microscopic examination.
Microtome. A specialized instrument used to cut thin slices from an embedded sample.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the responsibility of a Histology Section Supervisor?

The primary responsibility of a Histology Section Supervisor is to supervise the day-to-day operation of the histology laboratory and ensure quality control standards are met. This includes supervising histotechnologists, maintaining laboratory equipment, monitoring laboratory procedures and records, and providing technical support and consultation.

What qualifications do I need to become a Histology Section Supervisor?

To become a Histology Section Supervisor, you must have a Bachelor's degree in histology or a related field, and at least three years of experience in histology. Additionally, you must be licensed or certified in histology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or a similar organization.

How many staff does a Histology Section Supervisor typically manage?

A Histology Section Supervisor typically manages between two and five staff members, including histotechnologists and other laboratory personnel.

What type of equipment does a Histology Section Supervisor typically maintain?

A Histology Section Supervisor typically maintains laboratory equipment such as tissue processors, embedding stations, microtomes, cryostats, and other related equipment.

What type of records does a Histology Section Supervisor typically monitor?

A Histology Section Supervisor typically monitors records such as patient results, quality control, equipment maintenance and calibration, and personnel training records.

Web Resources

Histology - University of Kentucky vdl.uky.edu
Supervisor, Histology | Clinical Laboratory Operations | Clinical ... jobs.northwell.edu
Introduction to histology: 2.2 Embedding and sectioning - OpenLearn www.open.edu