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Histology Technician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewHistology is a subdivision of biology. The microscopic study of tissue, histology is a field vitally important to modern medicine.
Histology technicians study tissues for diagnostic, research, and educational purposes. The samples must be properly prepared and selected, suitable for analysis, and properly reviewed.
For routine microscopic examinations, histology technicians preserve and embed tissue samples in wax sections. The samples are then mounted on glass slides, dehydrated, and stained. The internal structure of the tissue is thus revealed, with different elements of the cells taking on different colors.
Preparing tissue samples is a time consuming process. It often takes several days to do properly, although some samples are required immediately for pathological evaluation. When a biopsy is taken of a malignant tumor during an operation, results of the biopsy are generally needed in minutes so that the surgeon knows how to proceed.
Most histology technicians work in medical centers and hospitals, whilst a small number work in research and teaching institutions, where the knowledge is just as valuable.
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Career RequirementsThere are two training routes for histology technicians. On-the-job training is available, as is formal preparation through accredited courses. The prerequisite for entry into the field is a high school diploma and demonstrated ability in biology and chemistry.
In accredited programs for histology technicians, the curriculum usually features anatomy, histology, histochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, processing techniques, and medical technology. In many instances, medical record keeing and administrative processes are also taught.
Certification is available to qualified histology technicians through the Borad of Registry of the American Society of Clincial Pathology. Professional organizations to contact for more information are featured below:
The National Society for Histotechnology,
4201 Northview Dr., Ste. 502,
Bowie, MD 20716
www.nhs.org
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences,
8401 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.,
Ste. 670, Chicago, IL 60631
www.naacls.org
The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel,
P.O. Box 15945-289,
Lenexa, KS 66285
www.nca-info.org
The ASCP Board of Registry,
P.O. Box 12277,
Chicago, IL 60612
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Job OutlookThe demand for qualified histology technicians is expected to remain stable in the foreseeable future. Changes to the health-care system may affect to scope of the professional field, but any changes are expected to be gradual. The most predictable change would be a change of work setting for most technicians, with a shift from hospital laboratories to smaller laboratories in clinics.
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Career TrackHistology technicians can become histology technologists with appropriate experience, additional education and training, and managerial skills.
Most histology technicians obtained certification in the field to compliment their training and the vast majority are now opting to complete a formal program in the field rather than on-the-job training alone.
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CompensationStandard compensation for histology technicians ranges between $23,000 and $38,000 per year depending upon experience and the precise nature of the job. Additional benefits may include paid vacations, medical and dental insurance, and disability insurance.
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