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Histology Technicians

The occupation Histology Technicians covers people who prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. The job can ask you to cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes. Its interest code is RIC. Realistic leads at 6.3 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Investigative next at 5.4. Plan on one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree; O*NET labels this medium preparation. Strength in critical thinking, active listening, and reading comprehension helps most here. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need leading, persuading and making business decisions, it may feel thin.

What they do

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

Main tasks

  • 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.

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Speaking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and active listening.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RIC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Clinical Histology Technician (Clinical Histology Tech)
  • Histologic Technician (HT)
  • Histologist
  • Histology Consultant
  • Histology Coordinator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.