How to Be Histology Laboratory Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 13, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Histology Laboratory Technician plays a vital role in the medical field, as they are responsible for preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination. By processing these samples, the technician helps to diagnose and treat diseases, enabling patients to receive the necessary treatments. This role is essential as it allows physicians to identify abnormal cells, diagnose and monitor disease progression, and develop effective treatments.

the technician's work is critical in the research of new treatments and cures. Without their expertise, medical professionals would be unable to accurately diagnose and treat illnesses, resulting in poorer health outcomes for patients.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for a career as a histology laboratory technician. High school students should take classes in biology, chemistry, and mathematics to prepare for the demands of a histology technician career.
Complete a Postsecondary Program. Most employers require histology laboratory technicians to have at least an associate degree in histotechnology or a related field. Programs are available at community colleges, technical schools, and universities. Courses cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and medical terminology.
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire histology laboratory technicians who have previous work experience in the field. Prospective technicians can gain experience by completing an internship or volunteering in a hospital or clinical setting.
Obtain Certification. The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers the Certified Histotechnician (HT) credential to qualified individuals. To be eligible, applicants must have either an associate degree or equivalent credits from an accredited histotechnology program, or completion of 60 semester hours in an approved program and one year of full-time work experience as a histotechnician. Applicants must also pass an exam.
Participate in Continuing Education. To maintain certification, histology laboratory technicians must complete continuing education courses every year. These courses may cover changes in regulations and guidelines, new laboratory equipment, and new laboratory techniques.

Becoming a Histology Laboratory Technician requires skill and qualification. The most important step to take is to earn a degree in histology, medical laboratory technology, biology, or a related field. After obtaining the degree, the next step is to gain hands-on experience through an internship or apprenticeship in a clinical laboratory setting.

This will help to familiarize the technician with the different techniques and tools used in histology laboratories. many states require certification in order to practice as a Histology Laboratory Technician, which may involve passing an exam or completing additional coursework. With the proper education and experience, a Histology Laboratory Technician can become an expert in the field, capable of providing accurate and reliable results.

You may want to check Immunocytochemist, Cytotechnologist Supervisor, and Cytopathology Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and examine tissue samples for microscopic study
Collect, label, and store laboratory specimens
Prepare laboratory equipment for tissue processing
Follow laboratory safety and quality control procedures
Maintain accurate records of laboratory procedures
Troubleshoot and repair laboratory equipment
Perform routine maintenance on laboratory equipment
Train new staff in laboratory protocols and techniques
Monitor the quality of the laboratory environment
Operate special equipment and instruments used in the laboratory

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory equipment and techniques used in histology laboratories.
Ability to perform a variety of routine and complex laboratory tasks such as cutting, staining, and microscopic examination of tissue samples.
Proficiency in the use of computers for data entry and analysis.
Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain laboratory safety standards.
Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and procedures for specimen handling, labeling, and storage.
Ability to interpret laboratory results and accurately record data.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology relevant to histology laboratory testing.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Good communication skills and ability to work with a variety of personnel including physicians, researchers, and other laboratory staff.
Ability to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Having a good eye for detail and excellent organizational skills is essential for any Histology Laboratory Technician. Being able to accurately identify and label specimens correctly is key for successful laboratory work. having the ability to work with microscopes and other laboratory equipment to prepare slides for microscopic examination is important.

Finally, having the ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and keep accurate records of laboratory procedures and results is critical for ensuring the accuracy of laboratory results. The combination of these skills allows Histology Laboratory Technicians to conduct their duties with confidence and accuracy, ultimately leading to reliable and accurate results.

Molecular Histologist, Histology Laboratory Supervisor, and Histology Technical Assistant are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a histology laboratory?
How familiar are you with the standard procedures used in histology laboratories?
Can you describe your experience and knowledge of histological staining techniques?
What safety measures have you implemented in a laboratory environment?
How have you dealt with difficult clients or situations in the past?
Are you comfortable working with various types of laboratory equipment?
Do you have any experience using automated staining systems?
Are you familiar with the regulations and policies related to histology laboratories?
How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in histology?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when preparing slides?

Common Tools in Industry

Microtome. A microtome is used to cut thin sections of tissue for histological examination. (eg: A microtome is used to cut a thin slice of lung tissue for microscopic examination).
Staining Kit. A staining kit is used to stain tissue samples for better visualization under the microscope. (eg: A staining kit is used to apply hematoxylin-eosin staining to a tissue sample for better visualization under the microscope).
Microscope. A microscope is used to examine histological samples. (eg: A microscope is used to examine the stained tissue slice for further analysis).
Embedding Cassette. An embedding cassette is used to hold tissue samples in place during the embedding process. (eg: An embedding cassette is used to securely hold a tissue sample in place before it is embedded in paraffin wax).
Paraffin Wax. Paraffin wax is used to embed tissue samples in order to prepare them for microscopic examination. (eg: Paraffin wax is used to embed a tissue sample before it is cut into thin slices with a microtome).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
International Association of Laboratory Accreditation (IALA)
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC)
Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)

We also have Embedding Technician, Immunohistochemist, and Electron Microscopist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of plants and animals.
Microtome. A laboratory instrument used to cut extremely thin slices of tissue for microscopy.
Embedding. The process of securing small pieces of tissue in a medium such as paraffin wax or plastic resin before cutting into sections for microscopic examination.
Staining. A technique used to color the tissue sections so they can be more easily seen under the microscope.
Fixation. A process used to preserve tissue so that it will not decompose or change shape.
Cytology. The study of the structure, function, and pathology of cells.
Microscopy. The use of microscopes to study microscopic structures.
Immunohistochemistry. A technique used to detect specific molecules or structures within cells and tissues using antibodies labeled with a fluorescent dye.
Tissue Processing. The process of preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination by dehydrating, clearing, and embedding them in paraffin wax or plastic resin.
Cryosectioning. A technique used to cut extremely thin sections of frozen tissue for microscopic examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Histology Laboratory Technician?

A Histology Laboratory Technician is a medical professional who prepares and examines tissue samples, slides and cell preparations under the microscope for use in medical diagnostics and research.

What type of degree is needed to work as a Histology Laboratory Technician?

Most employers prefer to hire Histology Laboratory Technicians with an associate's degree or higher in medical laboratory science, histotechnology, or a related field.

What are the day-to-day duties of a Histology Laboratory Technician?

Day-to-day duties of a Histology Laboratory Technician may include collecting tissue specimens, preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination, evaluating and interpreting the results of histological tests, and recording the data.

How many hours per week do Histology Laboratory Technicians typically work?

Histology Laboratory Technicians typically work 40 hours per week on average, although some may work part-time or overtime as needed.

What is the average salary for a Histology Laboratory Technician?

The average salary for a Histology Laboratory Technician is $46,085 per year, with salaries ranging from $34,000 to $62,000.

Web Resources

Histology Technician - Explore Health Care Careers - Mayo Clinic ... college.mayo.edu
Histology Technician Program (Arizona, Florida and college.mayo.edu
Histologic Technician | Houston Community College www.hccs.edu