Histotechnologists are pathology professionals who are trained to prepare and stain microscope slides in order to study and diagnose diseases. Typically, these professionals work closely with a pathologist, or a team, to ensure a quick delivery of results for medical decisions and procedures awaiting their completion. Histotechnologists are also known as tissue technologists, histotechnicians, and histologic technicians.
People seeking histotechnologist jobs may have the opportunity to work in a variety of places. Most histotechnologists work forty-hour work weeks in doctors' offices and clinics, as well as operating rooms. Histotechnologist jobs at pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories may involve researching new drugs, treatments, or even household products. Positions at government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Food & Drug Administration can include analyzing components of materials and foods that humans encounter on a daily basis.
There are even histotechnologist openings in the fields of marine biology and veterinary pathology for professionals who prefer to work with animals, and forensic pathology for those interested in determining cause of death, particularly within both criminal and civil investigations.
Depending upon the location, and types of histotechnologist jobs selected, daily duties can vary. These tasks may include studying tissue structures and identifying abnormalities present, preparing slides of organ tissue for observation, performing microscopy, executing new procedures and testing techniques, preserving organs for examination, and comparing test results with bodily functions. These duties typically require good judgment skills as well as the ability to apply attention to detail. Histotechnologist jobs usually also require problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure, as well as an aptitude for working with a team.
Students seeking histotechnologist jobs can prepare themselves by establishing a firm background in mathematics and science. Specific areas might be biology, computer sciences and chemistry. Good writing and communications skills are also usually necessary.
Following high school, potential histotechnologists usually obtain a Bachelor's degree. Additionally one needs to complete a certification from a program accredited either by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA), or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Licensing laws for histotechnologist jobs vary by location.
As there are more positions open than there are qualified personnel to currently fill them, histotechnologists are in high demand. This also means that the salaries are relatively good, considering the amount of required education. With experience salaries tend to increase significantly.