Histotechnologists
Health Science > Diagnostic ServicesProjected Growth: Much faster than average
Projected Job Openings
Medium Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist in research studies.
Common job titles of Histotechnologists include:
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Experience and Education
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.
47.5% said they needed a Associate's Degree.
25% said they needed a Bachelor's Degree.
Tasks
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
Freeze tissue specimens.
Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
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.
Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
Supervise histology laboratory activities.
Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
Teach students or other staff.
Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
Tools
Water baths
Vibratomes
Ultramicrotomes
Tissue processors
Tissue flotation baths
Tissue embedding equipment
Tissue block storage drawers
All ToolsStaining trays
Staining dishes
Specimen freezers
Slide stainers
Slide dryers
Sled microtomes
Saw microtomes
Rotary microtomes
pH meters
Paraffin microtomes
Microscope slide drawers
Manual tissue choppers
Laser microtomes
Laboratory refrigerators
Laboratory microwave ovens
Label printers
Knife sharpeners
Incubators
Histology glass knives
Histology diamond knives
Electronic laboratory balances
Drying ovens
Desktop computers
Cytocentrifuges
Cryostat microtomes
Clinical freezing microtomes
Back sledge microtomes
Automated tissue sectioning systems
Automated coverslippers
Anti-roll plates
Technologies
MEDITECH software
Brady Specimen Labeling System
Cerner Millennium
Laboratory information system LIS
Presentation software
Specimen labeling system software
Spreadsheet software
Skills
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.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Abilities
See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Sensory Abilities › Visual Abilities › Near Vision
Precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Fine Manipulative Abilities › Psychomotor Abilities › Finger Dexterity
Identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Cognitive Abilities › Perceptual Abilities › Flexibility of Closure
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Comprehension
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Expression