Nurah Al-Ahmed Argust
Baton Rouge,USA
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Certified Histotechnologist (HTL) with over 20 years of experience across various medical settings. Proven expertise in laboratory management, histology, ophthalmic procedures, and urgent care operations. Adept at leading clinical teams, optimizing workflow efficiency, and developing training programs for national healthcare initiatives. Passionate about laboratory innovation, quality assurance, and patient-centered care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Histotechnologist (HTL), General Supervisor
National Hansen’s Disease Program Clinical Laboratory
06.2016 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of a national reference laboratory specializing in Hansen’s Disease (leprosy) diagnostics
- Developed a fully functional laboratory module within an electronic health record system, transitioning manual data entry to a streamlined digital process
- Created training materials (HRSAtube videos) to improve accuracy in slit skin smear procedures nationwide
- Selected for CDC & Task Force for Global Health seminar, collaborating on future research initiatives
- Successfully led Joint Commission accreditation inspections every two years
- Managed the full laboratory relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Recipient of multiple agency-wide recognition awards for excellence within HRSA
Histology Team Lead
Pathology Group of Louisiana
08.2011 - 06.2016
- Rapidly promoted to overnight Team Lead, responsible for workflow oversight, scheduling, and system troubleshooting
- Performed high-volume histology processing, including embedding, microtomy, special staining, and immunohistochemistry
- Superuser in LigoLab platform for pathology workflow management
- Assisted with cytology procedures, including ThinPrep, manual PAP staining, lymphoma protocols, and STAT specimen processing
- Experience with advanced laboratory equipment, including Leica, Ventana, Sakura, and Peloris systems
Ophthalmic Technician
Williamson Eye Center
12.2009 - 08.2011
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments, including visual acuity testing, refractions, and intraocular pressure measurements
- Assisted in fundus photography, dilation procedures, and visual field testing
- Educated patients on medication usage and contact lens care
Receptionist / Medical Team Assistant
Redi-Med Urgent Care Clinic
04.2004 - 12.2009
- Provided front-desk patient support, appointment scheduling, and HIPAA-compliant administrative tasks
- Assisted physicians with preliminary patient assessments and work-related drug screenings
Histology Intern
St. Tammany Parish Hospital
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Observed and participated in histology procedures (microtomy, embedding, staining, and specimen preparation)
- Shadowed the coroner’s office, witnessing full-body autopsies and forensic pathology processes
- Awarded Intern of the Year for outstanding performance
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Medicine
Our Lady of the Lake College
Baton Rouge, LA12.2009
High School Diploma - undefined
Fontainebleau High School
Mandeville, LA05.2005
Skills
- Laboratory Management & Supervision
- Histopathology & Cytology Processing
- Phlebotomy & Specimen Handling
- Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance (CLIA, CAP, OSHA, HIPAA)
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) & Laboratory Information Systems
- Training & Staff Development
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Leadership
Certification
- Certified Histotechnologist (HTL-ASCP)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician - National Healthcare Association
Professionalmembershipsandawards
- Active Member, Beta Sigma Mu - Our Lady of the Lake College
- Multiple Agency-Wide Recognition Awards - HRSA
Timeline
Certified Histotechnologist (HTL), General Supervisor
National Hansen’s Disease Program Clinical Laboratory
06.2016 - Current
Histology Team Lead
Pathology Group of Louisiana
08.2011 - 06.2016
Ophthalmic Technician
Williamson Eye Center
12.2009 - 08.2011
Histology Intern
St. Tammany Parish Hospital
08.2004 - 05.2005
Receptionist / Medical Team Assistant
Redi-Med Urgent Care Clinic
04.2004 - 12.2009
High School Diploma - undefined
Fontainebleau High School
- Certified Histotechnologist (HTL-ASCP)
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician - National Healthcare Association
Bachelor of Science - Human Medicine
Our Lady of the Lake College
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