What is a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?
Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Definition 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
- Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
- Teach students or other staff.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Freeze tissue specimens.
- Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
- Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
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Skills Needed to be a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician
These are the skills Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
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
- Pathology Supervisor
- Histotechnologist
- Histologic Technician
- Histology Specialist
- Histology Assistant
Job Demand 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. 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
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
What education is needed to be a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

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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