Histotechnologist

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Histotechnologist?

A Histotechnologist is a specialized laboratory professional who prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination by pathologists. Their work involves embedding, slicing, staining, and mounting biological tissues to assist in diagnosing diseases.

Sample job titles:

Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager), Histology Specialist, Histology Technologist, Histotechnologist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Histotechnologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Histotechnologist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Histotechnologist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$67K per year	$78K per year	$88K per year	$96K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Histotechnologist do?

Work environment

Histotechnologists primarily work in hospital laboratories, private pathology labs, research facilities, and pharmaceutical companies. The environment is highly controlled and requires adherence to strict safety and cleanliness standards. They handle various chemicals and biological samples, necessitating protective gear and safety protocols.

Quick task list

Processes and prepares tissue specimens for microscopic examination.
Operates specialized laboratory equipment for tissue sectioning.
Stains tissue samples to highlight specific cellular or tissue components.
Maintains and calibrates lab equipment.
Collaborates with pathologists to diagnose diseases from tissue samples.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Molecular Histology: Focusing on molecular-level analysis and diagnosis.
Dermatopathology Histotechnology: Specializing in skin tissue preparation and analysis.
Neuropathology Histotechnology: Concentrating on nervous system tissues.
Oncology Histotechnology: Focusing on cancerous tissues and tumor identification.
Forensic Histotechnology: Applying tissue analysis for legal and forensic cases.

Description

Histotechnologists play a crucial role in the medical field, bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory settings. Their expertise in tissue preparation is vital for accurate diagnosis and research. They need to be precise and skilled in handling delicate tissues, as the quality of their work directly impacts the analysis and outcomes of pathological examinations.

The profession requires a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and anatomy, as well as proficiency in using various laboratory instruments. Histotechnologists must be detail-oriented, as the preparation process involves several meticulous steps, each critical to preserving the integrity of the tissue sample.

Histotechnologists often work behind the scenes but are integral to the healthcare team. Their work supports pathologists, researchers, and clinicians in understanding diseases, developing treatments, and improving patient outcomes. The role demands a high level of responsibility and offers the opportunity for ongoing learning and engagement with the latest scientific advancements.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to important medical diagnoses and research.
Engaging in detailed, technical, and highly skilled work.
Being part of a team that impacts patient care and treatment outcomes.

You might make a good Histotechnologist if you are...

Fascinated by biology and the microscopic world.
Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on precision and accuracy.
Interested in laboratory work and the technical aspects of tissue preparation.
Capable of following strict protocols and safety guidelines.
Enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively with healthcare professionals.

Pros:

Critical role in medical diagnostics and research.
Opportunities for specialization in various areas of histotechnology.
Steady demand in healthcare and research sectors.

Cons:

Repetitive and meticulous nature of the work.
Exposure to chemicals and biological samples requiring strict safety precautions.
May require working odd hours, depending on the lab's operational needs.

How to become a Histotechnologist

Typical education

To become a Histotechnologist, individuals typically need a Bachelor's degree in histotechnology or a related field, which takes about 4 years. Some positions may require additional certification, which can involve specialized training and passing an exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand basic principles of life sciences and laboratory techniques.
Mathematics for precise measurements and data analysis.
Computer Science for familiarity with laboratory information systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science clubs or fairs with a focus on biology or laboratory research.
Volunteering in healthcare settings or laboratories to gain exposure to a clinical environment.
Engaging in detailed-oriented hobbies, such as model building or microscopy.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a Bachelor's degree in histotechnology, biology, or a related field.
Consider certification through organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Seek internships or entry-level positions in laboratories to gain practical experience.

More resources

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - Offers certification and educational resources for histotechnologists.
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) - Provides industry news, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
Histosearch - A specialized search engine for histotechnology resources.
The Journal of Histotechnology - A professional journal with the latest research and techniques in histotechnology.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.