Laboratory Assistant Technical
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Houston, TX, 77030
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 16.1-22.75 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary / Purpose
The histology technician is responsible for performing procedures such as processing, embedding, cutting, mounting, and staining tissue specimens for the pathologic examination and diagnosis.
Essential Key Job Responsibilities
- Review each specimen for criteria of acceptability, assuring proper patient identification, specimen integrity, and appropriate paperwork when accessioning and labeling.
- Sections and stains histological specimens for routine and special studies. Prepares various stains, solutions, and other compounds used in the staining process. Follows written technical procedures.
- Prioritizes work appropriately. Follows laboratory turnaround time standards. Uses time efficiently.
- Assists pathologists with patient procedures.
- Monitors supply inventory and assists in ordering and stocking, properly logs reagents and supplies into the lab when received. Follows laboratory inventory procedures.
- Demonstrates competency operating, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment.
- Performs routine maintenance on equipment and instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and completes maintenance records. Contacts Biomedical Engineering or Manufacturer for assistance or repair as needed.
- Identifies problems, quality issues and situations needing referral to supervisor, pathologist or other appropriate personnel.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience | High School Diploma/GED |
Required Certification and License | Nevada: CLA:NV Other state license not required |
Preferred Certifications | Phlebotomy program certificate Lab Assistant Program certification |
Preferred Experience | 6 months experience in an acute care facility |
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training | Excellent customer service and time management skills |
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an internationally recognized leader in research and clinical excellence that has given rise to breakthroughs in cardiovascular care, neuroscience, oncology, transplantation, and more. Our team’s efforts have led to the creation of many research programs and initiatives to develop advanced treatments found nowhere else in the world. In our commitment to advancing standards in an ever-evolving healthcare environment, our new McNair Campus is designed around the human experience—modeled on evidence-based practices for the safety of patients, visitors, staff, and physicians. The 27.5-acre campus represents the future of healthcare through a transformative alliance focused on leading-edge patient care, research, and education. Our strong alliance with Texas Heart® Institute and Baylor College of Medicine allows us to bring our patients a powerful network of care unlike any other. Our collaboration is focused on increasing access to care through a growing network of leading specialists and revolutionizing healthcare to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve.
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Frequently asked questions
Houston's robust medical sector creates steady demand for Laboratory Technical professionals, but competition can be high due to many candidates. Positions at reputable institutions like Catholic Health Initiatives attract skilled applicants, making ongoing skill updates and certifications important to stand out locally.
While a high school diploma is basic, Houston healthcare employers often prefer candidates with phlebotomy certificates or lab assistant program credentials. For instance, the Nevada CLA license is a unique requirement here, but local preferences lean towards certifications that demonstrate practical histology and specimen handling expertise.
Expect responsibilities like preparing and staining tissue samples, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting pathologists during procedures. Prioritizing workflow to meet turnaround times and managing lab inventory are also crucial, requiring both technical skill and efficient time management.
A Laboratory Technical assistant often requires a deeper understanding of histological techniques, such as embedding and staining, plus equipment troubleshooting. Compared to a typical lab assistant, this role demands more precision and knowledge of specialized procedures in clinical and research settings.
Starting as a Laboratory Technical assistant opens pathways to specialized certifications and roles like histotechnologist or clinical lab technologist. Gaining experience in acute care settings and enhancing technical competencies can accelerate career growth in Houston’s healthcare landscape.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes a collaborative environment tied to cutting-edge research and patient care, especially at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center. This fosters exposure to advanced diagnostic techniques and a strong alliance with top-tier medical institutions, enriching the Laboratory Technical assistant’s experience.
The company encourages thorough equipment maintenance aligned with manufacturer guidelines and quick escalation of issues to biomedical engineering. This ensures smooth lab operations, accurate test results, and a safe environment, which are critical for technical assistants focusing on histology.
In Houston, Laboratory Assistant Technical roles generally earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Positions with healthcare leaders like Catholic Health Initiatives may offer competitive compensation aligned with the local medical sector standards.
Effective prioritization involves adhering to strict turnaround times, accurately reviewing specimen acceptability, and balancing routine staining with urgent tasks. Strong time management skills and clear communication with pathologists help ensure lab workflows remain uninterrupted and precise.
Transitioning requires gaining specialized knowledge in histology techniques, understanding lab instrumentation, and often acquiring certifications like phlebotomy or lab assistant programs. Houston’s hospital labs value practical experience combined with formal training to handle complex tissue processing tasks.