How to Become a Histology Technician
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Histology Technician
What does a Histology Technician do?
A Histology Technician receives and prepares tissue specimens for routine and special procedures and pathologist review. Performs histological procedures including accessioning, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining. Being a Histology Technician maintains accurate tissue and slide records. Cleans and maintains instruments and work areas. Additionally, Histology Technician complies with established laboratory policies for universal precautions and safety. Requires an associate degree in biology, related science, or equivalent. Typically requires completion of an accredited histotechnology program. Requires ASCP Histotechnician certification (HT). Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Histology Technician's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
A histology technician, also commonly referred to as a histotechnician or histology technologist, creates slide presentations of diseased cells and tissues for microscopic examination.
After the specimens are collected, the histology technician is directed in how to preserve them.
The technician is trained and authorized to determine which samples are viable.
Procedures developed by technicians are often reviewed prior to implementation by pathologists familiar with the tissues in question to be sure they meet stringent guidelines for accuracy.
Attention to detail is a necessary requirement for the success of a histology technician.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Histology Technician
Best tips for those who want to become a Histology Technician
Here are some tips to become a Histology Technician.
Review common interview questions and prepare your responses related to Histology technician position.
Take evidence of your achievements related to Histology technician position.
Top 12 Stress Based Interview Questions As Histology Technician.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Histology Technician
Best colleges and universities for Histology Technician
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Histology Technician
Is being a Histology Technician Worth it?
Histology technicians play an important role in the scientific investigations of both establishing and confirming patient diagnoses, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Science Education.
Those interested in a career in histology should have a background in high school sciences such as biology, chemistry, computer science and math, according to the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Many histology students are able to work part-time in a laboratory while in school.
A histology technician job consists of five basic steps, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Science Education.
Histology technicians may work with either human, animal or plant tissue, depending on the type of laboratory or facility in which they work.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Histology Technician
What skills do you need to be a Histology Technician?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Aseptic Technique, Clinical Laboratory Testing, Laboratory Equipment Operation, Laboratory Practice Quality Assurance (LPQA), Laboratory Results Reporting, Medical Laboratory Record Management, Microscopy, Laboratory Equipment Maintenance. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Software. These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
Histology technicians need to have strong fine motor skills and be incredibly detail oriented.
With additional training and experience, a histology technician can move into education, test development, or quality assurance.
Attention to detail, strong communication skills and proficiency in operating specialized lab equipment are critical attributes of a histology technician.
They are board-certified histology technicians and technologists with a wealth of experience in the field of histotechnology.
This course introduces the student to the fundamental safety practices and instrumentation used in the routine histology laboratory and provides knowledge and skills in the histological techniques of tissue collection, accessioning, grossing, decalcification and fixation.
Step 6: View average salary for Histology Technician
How much does a Histology Technician make?
The average salary range for a Histology Technician is from $54,197 to $68,143. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
-
View average salary for the United States
-
Adjust salary by state
Average salary for Histology Technician jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Histology Technician jobs, and apply.
Looking for Histology Technician jobs?
Here are some Histology Technician jobs in the United States.