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A histologic technician processes and prepares very thin sections of body tissues
for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Once a patient?s body tissue arrives
in a laboratory, the histologic technician will freeze, cut, and mount the tissue
onto a slide. Special dye is then applied that will bring out the detailed
characteristics of the tissue. Pathologists then exam the dyed tissue to determine
whether disease, such as cancer, is present within the patient. When dealing with
tissue samples, histologic technicians must be able to act with precision and must
be able to operate a variety of laboratory instruments. Histologic technicians
play a major role in helping to diagnose diseases within patients.
In terms of education, this position requires a minimum of an associate?s degree in
an area of study that contains the appropriate number of hours in biology and
chemistry and one year of clinical training in histopathology; or completion of a
histologic technician program that is accredited by the
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. After the education
process is complete, individuals will want to become certified by passing a national
examination given by a nationally recognized organization such as the
American Society of Clinical
Pathologists. Certification is often preferred but not always a requirement.
Please visit the above listed website to learn more about career opportunities as a
histologic technician.
A histologic technician who earns a bachelor's degree and either has one year of
experience or attends a NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Sciences) accredited histotechnology program, can become a histotechnologist.
Histotechnologists perform more complex techniques, teach techniques, and
can become laboratory supervisors. Please use the links provided below to learn
more about specific educational programs pertaining to this field.
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