How to Be Histology Technical Assistant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 13, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Histology Technical Assistant is responsible for preparing and processing tissue samples for laboratory analysis. This involves a number of steps, including tissue collection, tissue processing, and microscope slide preparation. The quality of the tissue samples has a direct effect on the accuracy of the laboratory results, so it is essential that the Histology Technical Assistant has a thorough understanding of the techniques and processes involved in tissue collection, tissue processing, and slide preparation.

the Histology Technical Assistant must have an in-depth knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and must adhere to these protocols at all times to ensure a safe working environment. With the right skills and knowledge, a Histology Technical Assistant can be instrumental in providing accurate lab results for physicians, helping to diagnose and treat patients.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. Many histology technical assistant positions require a high school diploma or GED to qualify for employment.
Obtain certification as a histology technician. Many employers require a certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) as a histology technician. This certification requires passing an exam and having a minimum of two years of experience as a histology technician.
Take classes in histology. Although not required for most positions, taking classes in histology may help prepare you for the job of a histology technical assistant. These classes can be taken at community colleges or through online programs.
Seek out an internship or apprenticeship. Internships or apprenticeships in histology can help you gain experience before seeking out a full-time job as a histology technical assistant.
Apply for jobs as a histology technical assistant. Employers may list openings on job boards or in newspapers, or you can contact hospitals and laboratories directly to inquire about openings.
Attend any necessary training. After being hired as a histology technical assistant, you may need to attend on-the-job training to learn how to use the laboratory equipment and to become familiar with safety protocols.

Maintaining competency and staying up to date as a Histology Technical Assistant can be accomplished through continuous learning and professional development. Attending conferences and seminars, reading industry publications, and completing continuing education courses can help keep the Histology Technical Assistant abreast of the latest technologies, methods, and best practices. networking with other professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and resources to stay informed.

Keeping up with changing regulations, guidelines, and standards is also essential to remain competent as a Histology Technical Assistant. Finally, working with experienced colleagues can help foster professional growth and ensure that the Histology Technical Assistant is able to perform their duties effectively and efficiently.

You may want to check Histology Laboratory Supervisor, DNA/RNA Extraction Technician, and Cytogenetic Technologist for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and maintain laboratory supplies, instruments, and equipment.
Assist in the grossing, embedding, cutting, staining and mounting of tissue sections for microscopic examination.
Prepare and stain slides for histochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies.
Assist in routine and special/research histology procedures.
Maintain records and logs of specimens, reagents, and laboratory activities.
Monitor laboratory stock levels and order supplies as needed.
Troubleshoot equipment maintenance and perform minor repairs.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment in accordance with laboratory protocols.
Perform quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of results.
Enter data into laboratory information systems and databases.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of basic histology techniques
Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols
Ability to perform laboratory experiments and tests
Knowledge of proper specimen handling and processing
Ability to operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to recognize tissue morphology
Ability to process specimens for further study
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent organizational skills
Good communication skills
Computer literacy
Experience with histology software

The most important skill to have as a Histology Technical Assistant is attention to detail. It is essential to ensure accurate results in the laboratory, as incorrect results can have serious implications for patients. An assistant must be able to accurately and precisely measure and record data, pay close attention to the instructions provided by their supervisor, and follow standard laboratory protocols.

This requires a meticulous eye for detail, as well as an understanding of the importance of accuracy. they must be able to effectively communicate with other members of the team in order to ensure that tasks are completed properly and on time. Finally, they must be proficient in using the laboratory's equipment, as this is critical for successful experimentation and analysis.

these skills are essential for any Histology Technical Assistant to be successful in their role.

Histology Section Supervisor, Histopathologist, and Cytopathology Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in histology and laboratory techniques?
How do you handle challenging tasks?
What techniques do you use to ensure accuracy in your work?
How do you stay organized and up-to-date with the latest technologies in histology?
What is the most complex specimen you have prepared?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in the lab.
How do you ensure that your specimens are consistently of high quality?
What safety protocols do you follow in the laboratory?
What have been your biggest successes in histology?
How would you handle a situation where a client is unhappy with the results of their specimen preparation?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used to magnify tissue samples for examination. (eg: examining a tissue sample for cancerous cells)
Tissue Processor. Automated machine used to prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. (eg: processing a tissue sample to prepare slides for analysis)
Slide Stainer. Machine used to add color to tissue samples for easier examination under a microscope. (eg: staining a tissue sample with a dye to make cancerous cells easier to see)
Microtome. Used to cut tissue samples into thin slices for examination under a microscope. (eg: slicing a sample of brain tissue into thin slices to examine the structure of neurons)
Cryostat. Used to freeze tissue samples at very low temperatures. (eg: freezing a sample of bone marrow for examination)
Histology Technician Manual. Reference guide used by histology technicians to perform their job duties. (eg: referencing instructions on how to properly stain a tissue sample)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
American Association of Histotechnologists (AAHT)
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE)
Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
International Council for Commonality in Laboratory Medicine (ICCLM)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)

We also have Tissue Processor Technician, Microscopy Technician, and Histology Lab Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Microscopy. A laboratory technique used to view very small objects, such as tissue samples, under a microscope.
Histology. The study of the microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues of living organisms.
Tissue Processing. The process of preparing tissue samples for histological examination, including embedding, cutting, staining and mounting.
Pathology. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and study of disease by examining organs, tissues, and bodily fluids.
Embedding. The process of encasing tissue samples in a hardened material such as paraffin wax or plastic resin.
Tissue Sectioning. The process of cutting thin slices of tissue for microscopic examination.
Staining. A laboratory technique used to color cells and tissues so they can be easily seen under the microscope.
Mounting. The process of placing stained tissue sections onto glass slides for microscopic examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Histology Technical Assistant?

To become a Histology Technical Assistant, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program in histology or a related field.

What duties might a Histology Technical Assistant perform?

A Histology Technical Assistant typically prepares tissue samples by cutting, staining, and mounting them, as well as operates laboratory equipment and performs quality control tests. They also may assist with tissue processing, evaluate slides under the microscope, and maintain records and reports.

What kind of work environment do Histology Technical Assistants typically work in?

Histology Technical Assistants usually work in medical laboratories, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

What skills are important for Histology Technical Assistants to have?

Histology Technical Assistants should have excellent attention to detail, good manual dexterity, critical-thinking skills, and computer proficiency. They should also be able to follow instructions accurately and remain organized in order to keep track of multiple tasks.