Cayuga Health System·City of Ithaca, New York
The Grossing Technician is responsible for the accessioning, preparation, dissection, and processing of anatomic pathology specimens, including describing gross anatomic features of routine surgical specimens (CPT 88300-88305 plus select 88307). Additional duties involve participation in intraoperative consultations, maintaining the gross room, managing specimens, and potentially assisting with postmortem examinations.
Job Description: Grossing Technician
Position Code: 2249
$28.35 to $39.38
Remote Work Tier: 1
Exposure Category: 1
Reports To: Manager, Anatomic Pathology
Our mission is to deliver high-quality care; empower our teams to success and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
The Grossing Technician supports the anatomic pathology department by accessioning, grossly examining, and processing routine surgical pathology specimens. Responsibilities include specimen preparation, intraoperative consultation support, specimen management, and gross room maintenance; ensures compliance with all regulatory and safety standards. This role may also assist with postmortem examinations.
Essential Job Functions
Perform gross examination of routine, uncomplicated surgical specimens, including accurate description, orientation, inking, sectioning, and tissue selection (CPT 88300-88305 and select 88307).
Prepare specimens for histologic processing, including cassette loading and appropriate tissue processor programming.
Assist with intraoperative consultations, including frozen sections and touch preparations.
Triage specimens for ancillary testing and external send‑out studies as required.
Ensure accurate specimen identification, accessioning, requisitioning, and maintenance of specimen integrity throughout processing.
Maintain slide, block, and specimen retention systems in accordance with departmental policy.
Maintain and support gross room operations, including inventory management, cleaning, and instrument maintenance.
Identify, correct, or promptly report issues affecting test performance or result reporting; fully document corrective actions.
Comply with all laboratory, hospital, corporate compliance, infection prevention, safety, Joint Commission, New York State, and HIPAA requirements.
Maintain professional competency through required continuing education (minimum 12 CE hours annually), training activities, and mandatory education programs.
Maintain compliance with Employee Health and Occupational Medicine policies (i.e., PPD testing and Influenza vaccination).
Additional Responsibilities
Maintain slide, block, and specimen retention and retrieval systems in accordance with departmental policy.
Appropriately discard specimens and biohazardous materials according to laboratory policy.
Monitor and maintain inventory levels, resolve ordering issues, and participate in inventory management initiatives.
Support quality improvement activities, including validation of new processes and reagents, and policy/procedure review.
Participate in postmortem examinations as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
(*) indicates an essential function of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Essential functions are the core duties that are fundamental to the position and must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Success Factors
Demonstrates technical competence with laboratory equipment and hospital information systems; troubleshoots issues effectively.
Communicates professionally and respectfully with patients, providers, and colleagues.
Upholds patient and employee confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Adheres strictly to safety protocols, including proper handling of hazardous chemicals such as formalin and xylene.
Maintains professional, respectful, and customer-focused interactions with patients, providers, and colleagues.
Consistently follows all applicable policies, procedures, regulatory standards, and quality control requirements.
Education / Experience Qualifications
Associates degree in a related science
Current or eligible NYS Clinical Laboratory Technician or Histotechnician license.
Strong communication skills, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and ability to prioritize workload.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged standing
Manual dexterity and strong hand-eye coordination.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Regular exposure to blood, body fluids, tissues, and laboratory chemicals.
I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me.
I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review.
If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks.
Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law.
I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law.
I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks.
I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.
A minimum of an Associate's degree with appropriate science-related education is required, though a Bachelor's degree in a related science is preferred. Prior laboratory experience and knowledge of medical procedures/terminology are preferred, along with the ability to maintain compliance with all relevant regulations.
Market context
Operations roles in New York healthcare often stay in demand because organizations need reliable support for scheduling, records, and day-to-day workflow. Competition can be stronger for candidates who already know EHR systems and basic quality measures, and this posting also notes a high school diploma or GED, with an associate degree in HIM and practical experience considered. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show practical systems experience and attention to detail.
