Life As a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

Example of Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Job 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

• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
• Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
• Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
• Freeze tissue specimens.
• Supervise histology laboratory activities.
• Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Other Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Job Titles

• Histotechnician
• Pathology Supervisor
• Histology Technician
• Histologic Technician
• Histology Technologist

Is There Going to be Demand for Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians?

There were about 171,400 jobs for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 12,900 positions for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician per year.

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.

Tools & Technologies Used by Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians may use on a daily basis:

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

Becoming a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

What education or degrees do I need to become a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

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

Similar Careers

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

• Neurodiagnostic Technologists

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.