What Do Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Do?

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

Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Responsibilities

• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
• Freeze tissue specimens.
• Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
• Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
• 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.

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

Below is a list of the skills most Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians say are important on the job.

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.

Types of Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Jobs

• Histology Technologist
• Charge Histotechnologist
• Histologic Aide
• Histotechnician
• Histology Specialist

Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Employment Estimates

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.

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

Becoming a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

Are there Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Related Careers

Those who work as a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

• 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.