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Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

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What Does it Take to Be a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

Job Description: Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist in research studies.

Life As a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician: What Do They Do?

  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Teach students or other staff.
  • Freeze tissue specimens.
  • Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.

Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Required Skills

When polled, Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Histotechnologist
  • Clinical Laboratory Manager
  • Histologic Technician
  • Histotechnician
  • Histology Specialist

Job Outlook for Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 171,400 jobs in the United States for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19,800 new jobs for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 12,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools do Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Spreadsheet software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Presentation software
  • Cerner Millennium
  • Laboratory information system LIS

How do I Become a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

Education needed to be a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician:

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What work experience do I need to become a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

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Similar Careers

Career changers with experience as a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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