Summary Report for:
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.
Sample of reported job titles: Charge Histotechnologist, Clinical Laboratory Manager, Histology Specialist, Histology Technologist, Histotechnologist
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Easy ReadTasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Detailed Work Activities | Job Zone | Credentials | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access
- Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook
- Label making software — Brady Specimen Labeling System; Specimen labeling system software
- Medical software — Cerner Millennium; Laboratory information system LIS; MEDITECH software
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Tools Used
- Automated cover slipping equipment — Automated coverslippers
- Benchtop centrifuges — Cytocentrifuges
- Desktop computers
- Drying cabinets or ovens — Drying ovens; Slide dryers
- General purpose refrigerators or refrigerator freezers — Laboratory refrigerators
- Histological hones or straps or compounds — Knife sharpeners
- Histological knives or knife holders or blades — Anti-roll plates; Histology diamond knives; Histology glass knives
- Histology or cytology slide stainers — Slide stainers
- Histology or tissue cassette cabinets — Tissue block storage drawers
- Label making machines — Label printers
- Laboratory balances — Electronic laboratory balances
- Laboratory microwave ovens
- Laboratory staining dishes or jars — Staining dishes; Staining trays
- Microscope slide cabinets — Microscope slide drawers
- Microtomes — Rotary microtomes; Sled microtomes; Ultramicrotomes; Vibratomes (see all 10 examples)
- pH meters
- Tissue culture incubators — Incubators
- Tissue embedding stations — Tissue embedding equipment
- Tissue flotation baths
- Tissue processors — Automated tissue sectioning systems; Manual tissue choppers
- Ultra cold or ultralow upright cabinets or freezers — Specimen freezers
- Water baths
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
- Analyze laboratory findings.
- Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
- Collect biological specimens from patients.
- Distribute supplies to workers.
- Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
- Maintain repair or maintenance records.
- Prepare medications or medical solutions.
- Supervise technical medical personnel.
- Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
- Train medical providers.
Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities
Job Zone
| Title | Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| Education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related Experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Job Training | Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Job Zone Examples | Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
| SVP Range | (7.0 to < 8.0) |
Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Employment data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Industry data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
| Median wages (2020) | $26.05 hourly, $54,180 annual |
| State wages | |
| Local wages | |
| Employment (2020) | 335,500 employees |
| Projected growth (2020-2030) | 
Faster than average (10% to 15%)
|
| Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 25,900 |
| State trends | |
| Top industries (2020) | |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data
and 2020-2030 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- American Association of Bioanalysts
- American Medical Technologists
- American Society for Clinical Pathology
- American Society of Cytopathology
- College of American Pathologists
- Coordinating Council on the Clinical Laboratory Workforce
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- National Society for Histotechnology
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
- The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
- The Biological Stain Commission
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