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Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

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What Do Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Do?

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.

A Day in the Life of a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

  • Freeze tissue specimens.
  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
  • Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes.

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

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.

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.

  • Histologic Aide
  • Histotechnician
  • Histology Assistant
  • Clinical Laboratory Manager
  • Pathology Supervisor

Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Employment Estimates

In the United States, there were 171,400 jobs for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician in 2016. 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 & Technology do Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians Use?

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?

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

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You May Also Be Interested In…

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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