Career Overview
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Also Known As
- Histologic Technician (HT)
- Histologist
- Histology Technician (HT)
- Histotechnician
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Histologic Technician (Certified Histologic Tech)
- Clinical Histology Technician (Clinical Histology Tech)
- Histologic Aide
- Histologic Technician (HT)
- Histologist
- Histology Assistant
- Histology Consultant
- Histology Coordinator
- Histology Lab Assistant (Histology Laboratory Assistant)
- Histology Laboratory Aide
- Histology Technician (HT)
- Histotechnician
- Mohs Technician (Mohs Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Freeze tissue specimens.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Load slides onto staining equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Chemistry
- Biology
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
- Manual Dexterity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Achievement Orientation
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Anti-roll plates
- Automated coverslippers
- Automated tissue sectioning systems
- Back sledge microtomes
- Clinical freezing microtomes
- Cryostat microtomes
- Cytocentrifuges
- Desktop computers
- Drying ovens
- Electronic laboratory balances
- Histology diamond knives
- Histology glass knives
- Incubators
- Knife sharpeners
- Label printers
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Histotechnologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
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Cytogenetic Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Cytotechnologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.