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

Nov 7, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Histology Technician is an important member of the medical team, as they are responsible for preparing and examining tissue specimens. This process involves the use of equipment, such as a microscope, to cut and stain sections of tissue for diagnosis. The results of this process can have a significant impact on patient care, as it can help diagnose and treat various diseases.

Furthermore, the accuracy and timeliness of the technician's work can greatly influence the effectiveness of the treatments. As a result, it is essential for the Histology Technician to have a thorough understanding of the laboratory equipment, techniques, and procedures in order to ensure accurate and timely results.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a histology technician, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Complete a Histology Technician Program. Most histology technician positions require at least an associate's degree in histology. These programs are offered at a variety of community colleges and vocational schools.
Obtain Certification. Certification is not required to become a histology technician, but it can help you to stand out among other applicants. You can obtain certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Gain Work Experience. Many employers prefer to hire histology technicians who already have some work experience in the field. Consider volunteering or participating in an internship to gain experience.
Look for Employment Opportunities. Once you have completed your training, you can begin searching for employment opportunities as a histology technician. You can search online job boards, contact local hospitals and clinics, or attend job fairs to find open positions.

To become a skilled and efficient histology technician, it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the techniques and equipment used in the field. It requires a combination of education, training and hands-on experience. To begin with, obtaining a degree in biological sciences or medical laboratory technology is essential for aspiring histology technicians.

gaining specialized certification from an accredited program can help one gain the necessary skills and knowledge to become an effective technician. Furthermore, gaining experience in a laboratory or healthcare setting provides a realistic environment in which to learn and practice the skills necessary for the job. With the right combination of education, training and experience, histology technicians can become skilled and efficient professionals.

You may want to check Electron Microscopist, Cytopathology Technician, and Histopathologist for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare and mount tissue sections for microscopic evaluation.
Perform routine histology laboratory procedures, including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and coverslipping.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments.
Assist pathologist in microscopic evaluation of specimens.
Perform quality control checks to ensure accuracy of laboratory results.
Maintain detailed records of laboratory results and other relevant data.
Provide training and instruction to personnel in techniques and procedures used in the laboratory.
Develop and implement safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
Monitor stock levels of lab supplies and order replacements as required.
Prepare reports and other documentation as required by regulatory bodies.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of histology techniques, such as tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining.
Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, such as microtomes, water baths, laminar flow hoods, and cryostats.
Knowledge of safety protocols, such as handling and disposal of hazardous materials and use of personal protective equipment.
Ability to follow detailed instructions and comply with quality control standards for laboratory operations.
Ability to accurately record data and maintain detailed records.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Proficiency in computer programs related to laboratory operations and data analysis.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology related to histology.

Having the right skill set is essential for a Histology Technician to be successful in their job. Good manual dexterity, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are some of the most important skills to possess when working in this field. Having excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of instruments is also important.

a Histology Technician should be able to work under pressure, as they are often required to work quickly and accurately to complete complex tasks. Without having these skills, it can be difficult to provide accurate results and maintain patient safety. Furthermore, having an understanding of laboratory safety protocols and the ability to follow instructions precisely are important in order to ensure accurate results and prevent any accidents that could lead to injury or harm.

With the right skill set, a Histology Technician can ensure that the laboratory runs efficiently, safely, and accurately.

Immunoassay Technologist, Research Histologist, and Blood Bank Technologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of Histology?
What challenges have you faced as a Histology Technician?
How do you stay up to date on advances in histology techniques?
Describe a situation in which you had to solve a problem related to histology.
What processes and procedures do you follow when preparing tissue samples for histological analysis?
How do you ensure the accuracy of the results produced by laboratory tests?
What kind of experience do you have using microscopes and other laboratory equipment?
What steps do you take to ensure that the lab meets safety standards?
Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult customer or patient.
What steps do you take to ensure that all tissue samples are handled properly and stored safely?

Common Tools in Industry

Microtome. A device used to cut extremely thin sections of tissue for microscopic examination. (eg: Brinkman-Lecia SM 2000 Microtome)
Cryostat. A device used to cut frozen tissue sections for microscopic examination. (eg: Bright Instrument Cryostat)
Staining Tray. A device used to hold the tissue specimens for staining. (eg: Glass Staining Tray)
Staining Reagents. Chemical solutions used to stain the tissue specimens. (eg: H&E Stain Kit)
Microscope. A device used to examine the tissue specimens under magnification. (eg: Olympus BX41 Compound Microscope)
Camera. A device used to capture digital images of the tissue specimens. (eg: Canon EOS Rebel T7 Digital SLR Camera)
Computer. A device used to store and analyze the digital images of the tissue specimens. (eg: Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop Computer)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
Association for Clinical Cytogenetics (ACC)
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
International Federation of Cell Biology (IFCB)
American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)
American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)
American Society of Cytotechnologists (ASCyt)

We also have Histology Processing Technician, Laboratory Courier, and High Complexity Laboratory Supervisor jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pathology. The study of the causes and effects of diseases.
Anatomy. The study of the structure of the body and its parts.
Cytology. The study of the structure and function of cells.
Histology. The microscopic study of tissues.
Immunohistochemistry. The use of antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissues and cells.
Microscopy. The use of a microscope to examine tissues and cells.
Tissue Preparation. The process of preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination.
Fixation. The process of preserving cells and tissues by chemical or physical means.
Embedding. The process of placing tissue specimens in a medium to support them during sectioning.
Sectioning. The process of cutting tissue into thin slices for microscopic examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Histology Technician?

A Histology Technician is a laboratory professional who specializes in preparing tissue samples for examination under a microscope.

What qualifications do Histology Technicians need?

Histology Technicians typically need an associate degree or certificate in histotechnology or a related field, as well as certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification.

What duties does a Histology Technician perform?

Histology Technicians typically perform a range of duties related to tissue processing, such as cutting and staining tissue samples, preparing specimens for microscopic examination, and analyzing and recording data.

What kind of environment does a Histology Technician work in?

Histology Technicians typically work in laboratory settings, often alongside pathologists, medical technologists, and other healthcare professionals.

What is the job outlook for Histology Technicians?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of Histology Technicians will grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Web Resources

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