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Histotechnologists

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.

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Investigative

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Realistic

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Conventional

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Social

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Artistic

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Enterprising

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians

Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations

Health Technologists and Technicians

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.

Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.

Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

Histotechnologists

Overview

Career

What Histotechnologists Do

Other Job Titles Histotechnologists May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Histotechnologists

Overview

Career

What Histotechnologists Do

Other Job Titles Histotechnologists May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Histotechnologists

Majors Related to Career

Related Careers

Related Leaders