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

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

Daily Life Of a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

• Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes.
• Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
• Teach students or other staff.
• Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
• Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
• Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.

Skills Needed to be 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.

Types of Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Jobs

• Certified Histologic Technician
• Histology Assistant
• Histologic Aide
• Histotechnologist
• Histology Technologist

Is There 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.

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

Are there Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians education requirements?

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

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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.