What is 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.
A Day in the Life of a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
- Supervise histology laboratory activities.
- Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
- Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
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Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician Required 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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Histology Technician
- Charge Histotechnologist
- Histotechnologist Supervisor
- Histologic Technician
- Pathology Supervisor
Job Demand 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.

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?
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
Education needed to be a Histotechnologist or Histologic Technician:

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

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References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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