Histotechnologists
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples.
Bachelor's degree
Healthcare Practitioners & Technical
Histology Technicians
Also called: Histologic Technician (HT), Histologist, Histology Technician (HT), Histotechnician
- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- 48% of workers surveyed
- Preparation needed
- Medium Preparation Needed
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Programs in this directory
- 441
- that lead to this career
What histology technicians do
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Typical tasks
- 1Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- 2Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- 3Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
- 4Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- 5Freeze tissue specimens.
- 6Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- 7Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.
- 8Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
Key skills
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Critical Thinking3.5/5
- Reading Comprehension3.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Monitoring3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Science3.1/5
- Speaking3.1/5
Importance rated by workers in this career (1–5).
Knowledge areas
- Chemistry3.8/5
- Biology3.8/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Administrative3.0/5
Importance rated by workers in this career (1–5).
Technology used
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
How to become one
- Education
- The most common level among workers surveyed is a associate's degree (48%). Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Where to study
Subjects that prepare for this career:
Showing 12 of 441 matching programs.
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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. We have modified some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Programs are linked with the CIP–SOC crosswalk from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES). Education levels and preparation describe the United States and may differ in other countries.