Histotechnologists,
also known as Histologists or HTLs, are experienced laboratory personnel
that prepare human or animal tissue samples for microscopic examination.
These samples are used for diagnosing disease, conducting research, and
teaching medical personnel. Slides are prepared by freezing and cutting
sections of tissue, mounting the sample on a slide, and staining them in
order to emphasize the details. Another way that samples can be accurately
examined is embedding the sample in wax. The samples are then cut into
very thin slices using a microtome. Other methods for studying tissue
samples include dehydration, mounting, fixation, sectioning,
decalcification, and microincineration. This work is often done while a
surgical team is awaiting a pathologist's diagnosis; therefore the work
must be done extremely quick and accurate. Histotechnologists perform more
complicated procedures than histologic technicians and are often in the
role of supervisor or instructor. Since laboratory tests have become
increasingly important in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many
illnesses and diseases, histotechnologists are vital members of the
medical laboratory team. Individuals interested in histology should be
detail oriented and be able to work as a team.
Work Environment:
The majority of histotechnologists work in pathology laboratories in
hospitals and clinics. They may also work in medical or research
laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, doctor's offices, or government
agencies. Individuals usually work a 40-hour week and may be required to
work nights or weekends depending on place of employment.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in this type of medical laboratory specialty should
take high school courses in algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry,
physics, computer skills, English, health occupations/medical professions
education, and physical education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in a career in histotechnology should have a high
school diploma or equivalent. Students must first obtain a baccalaureate
degree in histotechnology or an approved major. They must then receive at
least one year of training in a histopathology laboratory under a
certified pathologist. In addition to these educational requirements,
students are expected to pass an examination given by the American Society
of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). Students interested in histotechnology
should contact schools for information on admission and course of study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study
click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for histotechnologists are expected to grow about
as fast as the average for all other occupations. The US Department of
Labor predicts an increase of 10% to 20% over the next eight years. The
rapidly growing older population will be one reason for this growth, since
older people tend to have more medical problems that will require lab
work. New and improved diagnostic tests and other advancements in
technology will also add to a rise in employment in this sector. As in
most occupations, many openings will result from the need to replace
workers who transfer to other companies, retire, or stop working for some
other reason.
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Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$36,800
Salary Range
$29,600-$45,700
Professional Organizations:
National Society for Histotechnology
4201 Northview Drive, Suite 502
Bowie, MD 20716-2604
Phone: (301) 262-6221
Web: www.nsh.org
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
2100 W Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612-3798
Phone: (312) 738-1336
Web: www.ascp.org
Mississippi Society for Histotechnologists
Sally Jordan-President
Phone: (601) 362-9854
E-mail: CoffeeMom@prodigy.net
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Histotechnologist
brochure here.
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