Histology Technicians

What the job really is

Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-2012
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 8
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
• Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
• Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
• Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
• Freeze tissue specimens.
• Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
• Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.

Tools and technology

MEDITECH software, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Anti-roll plates, Automated coverslippers, Automated tissue sectioning systems, Back sledge microtomes, Brady Specimen Labeling System, Cerner Millennium

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Histotechnologists
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Cytogenetic Technologists
• Cytotechnologists
• Biological Technicians
• Phlebotomists
• Endoscopy Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Histology Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.