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

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

List of Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Job Duties

• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
• Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
• Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
• Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
• Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
• Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.

Things a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Should Know How to Do

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.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Histology Assistant
• Clinical Laboratory Manager
• Histology Technician
• Certified Histologic Technician
• Histotechnician

Job Outlook for Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians

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.

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:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Related Careers

Are you already one of the many Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

• 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.