Occupation Details
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.
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Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$48,690.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$78,750.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$87,850.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
19,980
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
23,350
+337 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,699
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
Skills information is not available for this occupation.
Knowledge
Knowledge information is not available for this occupation.
Work Environment
Work Environment information is not available for this occupation.
Work Styles
Work styles information is not available for this occupation.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Anti-roll plates
- Automated coverslippers
- Automated tissue sectioning systems
- Cryostat microtomes
- Cytocentrifuges
- Desktop computers
- Drying ovens
- Electronic laboratory balances
- Histology glass knives
- Incubators
- Knife sharpeners
- Label printers
- Laboratory microwave ovens
- Laboratory refrigerators
- Laser microtomes
- Manual tissue choppers
- Microscope slide drawers
- Sled microtomes
- Slide dryers
- Slide stainers
- Specimen freezers
- Staining trays
- Tissue block storage drawers
- Tissue embedding equipment
- Tissue flotation baths
- Tissue processors
- Vibratomes
- Water baths
Technology
- Brady Specimen Labeling System
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Presentation software
- Specimen labeling system software
Duties
Job duties information is not available for this occupation.
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
- Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
- Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
- Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
- Perform tests by following physician instructions.
- Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
- 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.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Supervise histology laboratory activities.
- Teach students or other staff.