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Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician

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

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

Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Responsibilities

  • Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
  • Teach students or other staff.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes.
  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Skills

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

  • Histotechnologist
  • Histotechnologist Supervisor
  • Charge Histotechnologist
  • Histologic Aide
  • Clinical Laboratory Manager

Are There Job Opportunities for Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 171,400 jobs in the United States for Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician. 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.

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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?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician?

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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:

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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