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

Jan 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Pathology Technician is critical in the field of medicine, as they are responsible for preparing and examining tissue samples. This includes both identifying abnormalities in the samples and documenting their findings. As a result of their work, doctors and other healthcare professionals are able to make more informed decisions about treatments and diagnoses, which can ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, Pathology Technicians must be familiar with laboratory safety protocols and laboratory techniques in order to ensure accuracy. They must also be familiar with the use of microscopes, staining techniques, and other laboratory equipment. By performing these tasks, Pathology Technicians play an important role in the health care system and are essential for the advancement of medical research.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma. A high school diploma or equivalent is required in order to pursue a career as a histopathology technician.
Earn an Associate's Degree. Most employers require histopathology technicians to have an associate's degree in a related field such as laboratory technology, medical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology. These programs typically take two years to complete and include courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry and biology.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Histopathology technicians must have on-the-job training in order to work in a lab. This involves learning how to use the equipment and tools used in the lab, and understanding the protocols used in the lab.
Obtain Certification. Certification is voluntary, but it can help you stand out amongst other applicants. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers certification exams for histopathology technicians.
Consider Further Education. Many histopathology technicians go on to earn a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or a related field. This can help them advance their career and become supervisors or lab managers.

In order to stay qualified and up-to-date as a Pathology Technician, it is essential to engage in continuous learning. Keeping up with medical advancements and attending conferences, workshops, and lectures are key to staying current and well-informed. staying abreast of new technology is also important to ensure accuracy and efficiency when performing laboratory tests.

Furthermore, networking with other professionals in the field is a great way to stay connected and learn about the latest developments in pathology. Finally, taking classes to earn certifications or additional degrees can help Pathology Technicians remain competitive in the job market and increase their career opportunities. With these activities, Pathology Technicians can ensure they are adequately prepared for the ever-changing world of medicine.

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Job Description

Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by collecting, labeling, and preserving specimens.
Cut and mount tissue sections on slides, using a microtome.
Stain specimens with dyes and other agents to enhance visibility of tissue structures under a microscope.
Evaluate tissue specimens for abnormalities under a microscope.
Keep detailed records of all laboratory tests and results.
Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges, microscopes, and incubators.
Prepare reports and presentations summarizing test results for medical staff.
Monitor and order laboratory supplies, such as slides, dyes, and reagents.
Coordinate with pathologists to ensure accurate results.
Communicate with other healthcare professionals to discuss test results and patient care plans.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols
Ability to adhere to laboratory safety regulations
Knowledge of histology terminology and techniques
Ability to follow instructions and complete assignments accurately
Knowledge of histology equipment and instruments
Ability to perform quality control procedures
Knowledge of histopathology and diagnosis processes
Ability to recognize, prepare and mount specimens for microscopic examination
Knowledge of computer software applications for data entry, database and image management
Ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with physicians, pathologists and other staff
Solid knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy

Pathology technicians play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Their role is to collect and prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. This requires a high level of technical skill, accuracy and attention to detail.

Without a qualified technician, laboratory results can be inaccurate or even misleading. The accuracy of these results is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. In addition, pathologists must have excellent communication skills in order to explain the results to medical professionals and patients.

They must also be able to interpret the results and make recommendations for treatment or further tests. As such, pathologists must be proficient in both the technical aspects of their role as well as possess strong interpersonal skills. With the right combination of technical and interpersonal skills, a pathology technician can be an invaluable asset in any healthcare setting.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in histopathology?
What is your understanding of the different types of specimens used in histopathology?
What techniques have you used to prepare and analyze histological specimens?
How do you ensure accuracy and reliability when preparing slides for analysis?
What do you consider to be the most important ethical considerations for a histopathology technician?
How do you stay up to date with the latest technologies used in histopathology?
Describe a difficult situation you faced while working with histological samples and how you handled it.
How would you balance multiple requests from different departments within a lab?
What do you believe is the most important skill for a histopathology technician?
What safety precautions do you take when working with histological samples?

Common Tools in Industry

Microscope. Used for examining biological specimens at high magnification. (e. g. examining microscopic tissue sections to identify cancerous cells)
Cryostat. Used to freeze and section tissues for microscopic examination. (e. g. cutting 5 micron sections of a brain sample)
Staining Trays. Used to apply different stains to specimens to highlight certain cellular characteristics. (e. g. staining a tissue section with hematoxylin and eosin to differentiate between normal and abnormal cells)
Computer Imaging Software. Used to capture, store, and analyze digital images of tissue specimens. (e. g. analyzing digital images of tissue sections to measure the size and shape of cells)
Histology Slide Printer. Used to produce slides for microscopic examination. (e. g. printing a slide of a tissue sample for further analysis)
Centrifuge. Used to separate cellular components from blood or other biological fluids. (e. g. separating blood cells from plasma for further analysis)
Autoclave. Used to sterilize equipment, instruments, and specimens for pathology testing. (e. g. sterilizing instruments before performing a biopsy procedure)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
European Society of Pathology (ESP)
International Association of Pathologists and Laboratory Medicine (IAPLM)
Association of Veterinary Hematology and Clinical Chemistry (AVHCC)
The American Association of Cancer Researchers (AACR)
The International Association of Blood Banks (IABB)
The American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT)
The American Society of Cytopathology (ASCPath)
The American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC)

We also have Molecular Pathologist, Molecular Diagnostic Technician, and Surgical Pathologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Histology. The study of the microscopic structure of tissues and cells.
Cytology. The study of cells.
Hematology. The study of blood and its components.
Immunohistochemistry. A laboratory technique used to study proteins in cells and tissue sections.
Tissue Processing. Methods used to prepare tissue samples for examination under a microscope.
Microscopy. The use of a microscope to study objects too small to be seen with the naked eye.
Immunofluorescence. A laboratory technique that uses fluorescent markers to visualize certain proteins in cells and tissues.
Embedding. The process of embedding a tissue sample in a solid medium such as wax or plastic for sectioning.
Sectioning. Cutting a tissue sample into thin slices for viewing under a microscope.
Staining. The process of coloring tissue samples to make them easier to view under a microscope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Histopathology Technician?

A Histopathology Technician is a healthcare professional who is responsible for preparing and analyzing samples taken from patients for microscopic examination in order to diagnose and treat diseases.

What qualifications do Histopathology Technicians need?

Histopathology Technicians need to have a degree in biological sciences, as well as certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

What does the role of a Histopathology Technician involve?

The role of a Histopathology Technician involves collecting, processing and analyzing tissue samples taken from patients in order to detect the presence of diseases. They must also be able to prepare slides and interpret the results of the samples.

What is the average salary of a Histopathology Technician?

The average salary of a Histopathology Technician is around $48,000 per year.

What skills do Histopathology Technicians need?

Histopathology Technicians need to have excellent attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, the ability to work well under pressure, good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to use laboratory equipment.

Web Resources

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