Histologic Technician/Technologist

To be a successful Histologic Technologist you should…

• show accuracy and attention to detail
• be a problem-solver
• like challenge and responsibility
• be able to work independently with little supervision
• be able to communicate well, both orally and in writing

What will my job be like?

Histology technicians (HTs) and histotechnologists (HTLs) are experts in slide preparation for use by pathologists and scientists. Histology is the microscopic study of tissues and their structures. They prepare tissue sections for microscopic slide preparation for pathologists or other medical scientists. They section, stain and coverslip microscopic tissue sections on slides to identify signs of disease, illness, or malignancies in the body. The tissue may be human, animal, or plant in origin.

The histotechnologist may specialize in more complex techniques such as enzyme histochemistry, immuno-histo chemistry and electron microscopy.

Where could I work?

Histologic technicians have a wide choice of practice settings. Hospitals, for-profit laboratories, clinics, and public health facilities. Other opportunities for histologic technicians are in industrial research, veterinary pathology, marine biology, and forensic pathology.

What is the average annual salary?

$54,200

What is the future of this career?

The BLS reports that employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 25,900 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Programs for certified histotechnologist are four years and lead to a bachelor’s degree.

Histologic technicians complete a 12-month program, usually at a community college offering a diploma, or can complete on-the-job training and then take an examination.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Goodwin College, East Hartford

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: The Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists gives a national certification exam. Students take this exam after meeting their academic and laboratory education requirements. Those who pass the exam for histologic technician may use the initials HT (ASCP) after their name to show they are proficient in their field.

Where can I get more information?