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Career Details

29-2011.04 - Histotechnologists


Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
164,800
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
187,900
Estimate
Change in Employment
+23,100
Estimate
Change in Employment %
+14%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Generic
  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
  • Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
  • Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Perform tests by following physician instructions.
  • Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
  • Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
  • Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
  • Supervise histology laboratory activities.
  • Teach students or other staff.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
No specific knowledge is listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Histology equipment
  • Tissue embedding equipment
  • Automated tissue sectioning systems
  • Manual tissue choppers
  • Tissue processors
  • Anti-roll plates
  • Histology diamond knives
  • Histology glass knives
  • Knife sharpeners
  • Back sledge microtomes
  • Clinical freezing microtomes
  • Cryostat microtomes
  • Laser microtomes
  • Paraffin microtomes
  • Rotary microtomes
  • Saw microtomes
  • Sled microtomes
  • Ultramicrotomes
  • Vibratomes
  • Automated coverslippers
 Laboratory cooling equipment
  • Specimen freezers
  • Laboratory refrigerators
 Laboratory baths
  • Water baths
  • Tissue flotation baths
 Laboratory ovens and accessories
  • Laboratory microwave ovens
  • Drying ovens
  • Slide dryers
 Weight measuring instruments
  • Electronic laboratory balances
 General laboratory storage containers and cabinets
  • Microscope slide drawers
  • Tissue block storage drawers
 Computers
  • Desktop computers
 Labeling machines
  • Label printers
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Business function specific software
  • Brady Specimen Labeling System
  • Specimen labeling system software
  • Microsoft OfficeHOT
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Microsoft WordHOT
  • Presentation software
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Spreadsheet software
 Industry specific software
  • Cerner Millennium
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • MEDITECH softwareHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific certifications are listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Germanna Community College
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Northern Virginia Community College
Paul D. Camp Community College
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Western Community College
Wytheville Community College
Jobs
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Jobs related to this career may be found on Indeed.com or on the Google Job Search page.