Histotechnologists Career, Salary and Skills
No national wage record is published for this occupation in the current BLS dataset.
Occupation description
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.
O*NET code
29-2011.04
Job zone
4
Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
National salary and employment
Salary data is not available for this occupation in the current BLS dataset.
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Monitoring | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.38 | 3.00 |
| Active Listening | 3.25 | 3.38 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Speaking | 3.25 | 3.25 |
| Active Learning | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Writing | 3.12 | 3.25 |
Typical tasks
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
- Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
- Perform tests by following physician instructions.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
Technology
- Brady Specimen Labeling System
- Cerner Millennium
- Laboratory information system LIS
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Specimen labeling system software
Related careers
- Ophthalmic Medical TechnologistsNational median $50,290
- Veterinary Technologists and TechniciansNational median $47,380
- Surgical AssistantsNational median $66,800
- Radiologic Technologists and TechniciansNational median $80,110
- Chemical TechniciansNational median $60,390
- Medical Equipment PreparersNational median $47,700
- Endoscopy TechniciansNational median $48,430
- Nuclear Medicine TechnologistsNational median $101,370
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.