Pathology professionals who are trained to prepare and stain microscope slides in order to study and diagnose diseases are known as histotechnologists. Typically, these professionals collaborate with a pathologist or a team to ensure that results for medical decisions and procedures are delivered quickly. Tissue technologists, histotechnicians, and histologic technicians are all terms used to describe histotechnologists.
People looking for histotechnologist jobs may be able to work in a variety of settings. Histotechnologists typically work forty-hour weeks in doctor’s offices, clinics, and operating rooms. Jobs as a histotechnologist in pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories may entail testing new drugs, treatments, or even everyday items. Analyzing components of materials and foods that humans encounter on a daily basis can be a part of jobs at government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.
For those who prefer to work with animals, there are even histotechnologist openings in the fields of marine biology and veterinary pathology, as well as forensic pathology for those interested in determining the cause of death, particularly in criminal and civil investigations.
Daily responsibilities vary depending on the location and types of histotechnologist jobs chosen. Studying tissue structures and identifying abnormalities, preparing organ tissue slides for observation, performing microscopy, executing new procedures and testing techniques, preserving organs for examination, and comparing test results with bodily functions are some of the tasks that may be performed. These tasks typically necessitate sound judgment and the ability to pay close attention to detail. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure are usually required of histotechnologists, as well as a desire to work as part of a team.
Students interested in becoming histotechnologists should build a strong foundation in mathematics and science. Biology, computer science, and chemistry are examples of specific areas. In most cases, good writing and communication skills are also required.
Potential histotechnologists typically pursue a Bachelor’s degree after high school. A certification from a program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is also required (NAACLS). The laws governing histotechnologist licensing vary by state.
Histotechnologists are in high demand because there are currently more open positions than qualified personnel to fill them. This also means that, given the amount of education required, the salaries are reasonable. Salary tends to rise dramatically as one gains experience.