HISTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN/HISTOTECHNOLOGIST
Histologic technicians prepare slides of body tissue for microscopic examination by freezing and cutting tissues, mounting them on slides, and staining them with special dyes to make the details visible under the microscope.
Histotechnologists perform more complex tasks including procedures associated with histochemistry, electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. They also may function as section supervisors, teach students, and perform more complex analyses such as identifying tissue structure and cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease.
HOW DO I BECOME A HISTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN/HISTOTECHNOLOGIST?
High school preparation in biology, chemistry, social sciences, English, computer science and mathematics is recommended. High school graduation or its equivalency (GED) is necessary for entrance into a one-year clinical pathology program for histologic technicians.
To become a histologic technician, a high school graduate may enter either a twelve-month, hospital-based on-the-job training program, or a two-year associate degree program at a community college.
To become a histotechnologist, you must have a bachelor’s degree and one-year of additional laboratory experience or complete a histotechnology program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Histologic technicians and histotechnologists usually work in hospital pathology laboratories, for-profit laboratories, or clinics. They generally work a 40 hour week on an “around the clock” shift basis.
JOB OUTLOOK/ADVANCEMENT
The employment outlook for histologic technicians and histotechnologists is excellent, due to the continuing increase in volume of laboratory testing. A shortage of histologic technicians and histotechnologists throughout the nation has created a strong demand for these professionals.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 541-4999
www.ascp.org
National Society for Histotechnology
10320 Little Patuxent Parkway
Suite 804
Columbia, MD 21044
(443) 535 – 4060
www.nsh.org