How to Be Histotechnician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

When a patient is being tested for a medical condition, the work of a Histotechnician is critical in providing accurate results. This professional prepares and processes tissue samples from patients, which helps to determine the cause of their illness. They use sophisticated equipment to examine tissue slides under a microscope and prepare histology slides that enable doctors to accurately diagnose diseases and make informed decisions about treatment. Histotechnicians play an important role in the healthcare system, as their work is essential for the accurate diagnosis of medical conditions and for providing the best possible care for patients.

Steps How to Become

1. Research the educational and training requirements for becoming a histotechnician. Most histotechnicians need to earn an associate’s degree in histotechnology or a related field.
2. Enroll in an accredited histotechnology program. These programs usually take 2 years to complete and include courses in anatomy and physiology, clinical laboratory techniques, medical terminology, and histological techniques.
3. Complete all prerequisite coursework, such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Some programs may also require students to complete a clinical practicum.
4. After graduating from an accredited program, apply for certification as a histotechnologist through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This certification is usually required for employment in many histology laboratories.
5. Obtain relevant experience through internships or volunteer opportunities in histology laboratories. This experience can help you develop the skills necessary to become a successful histotechnician.
6. Once you have obtained certification and experience, you can begin applying for jobs as a histotechnician. Most employers will require you to pass a criminal background check and a drug test before you are hired.

Keeping updated and efficient as a Histotechnician requires a great deal of dedication and effort. Staying informed on the latest developments in the field by reading industry publications, attending conferences and seminars, and taking continuing education courses are all essential components. it is important to have a working knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and regulations, as well as a commitment to professional development.

Maintaining a good rapport with colleagues both inside and outside the laboratory environment can also be beneficial in ensuring efficiency. Finally, taking the initiative to stay organized and using the latest technology to streamline processes can help to maximize productivity. By doing these things, Histotechnicians can stay current and efficient in their field.

You may want to check Histopathology Technician, Surgical Pathologist, and Autopsy Pathologist for alternative.

Job Description

1. Prepare, process and mount tissue specimens for microscopic examination
2. Prepare reagents and stains used in the analysis of tissue samples
3. Utilize microscopes to examine tissue samples for the detection of abnormalities
4. Document findings and results in lab reports
5. Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
6. Follow established safety protocols for handling hazardous materials
7. Prepare tissue samples for transfer to pathology laboratories
8. Maintain records of specimens and results
9. Participate in quality assurance activities
10. Work with pathologists to provide information on tissue samples

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of histology laboratory procedures and techniques.
2. Ability to prepare slides for microscopic examination.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning.
4. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
5. Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
6. Ability to analyze and interpret data accurately and effectively.
7. Ability to maintain accurate records and write detailed reports.
8. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
9. Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control protocols.
10. Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.

As a Histotechnician, having excellent technical and organizational skills is essential to ensure accurate and efficient preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. Good communication skills are also needed to effectively collaborate with medical staff, pathologists and fellow technicians. Attention to detail is also a must in order to properly handle and prepare the specimens and ensure accuracy in results.

Furthermore, a strong knowledge of laboratory safety protocols is necessary in order to protect personnel from hazardous materials and to prevent cross-contamination. Finally, problem-solving skills are necessary in order to troubleshoot any challenges that arise when readying the specimens for analysis. In sum, Histotechnicians must be highly skilled and knowledgeable to perform their job effectively.

Anatomic Pathology Technician, Pediatric Pathologist, and Residency Program Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working in a histology lab?
• How do you ensure accuracy when performing laboratory tests?
• What do you know about the process of tissue processing and staining?
• Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with a laboratory instrument.
• What safety protocols do you follow in the laboratory?
• How do you ensure that all slides are properly labeled and stored?
• What experience do you have with automated slide staining systems?
• Describe a difficult situation you faced in a histology lab and how you overcame it.
• How do you keep up with new histology techniques and technology?
• What methods do you use to maintain a high level of quality control in the laboratory?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Microtome. A tool used to cut thin slices of tissue for histological examination (eg: Leica RM 2235 rotary microtome).
2. Cryostat. A tool used to freeze specimens for sectioning (eg: Leica CM 1850 cryostat).
3. Staining tray. A tool used to apply staining solutions to histological slides (eg: Thermo Scientific staining tray).
4. Cover slips. A tool used to cover stained slides (eg: Thermo Scientific cover slips).
5. Microscope. A tool used to view slides for histological examination (eg: Olympus BX41 compound microscope).
6. Pipette. A tool used to measure and transfer small quantities of liquid (eg: Eppendorf Pipette).
7. Forceps. A tool used to handle specimens and slides (eg: Iris Forceps).
8. Scissors. A tool used to cut tissue and other specimens (eg: Iris Scissors).
9. Slide warmer. A tool used to warm slides before staining (eg: Thermo Scientific slide warmer).
10. Embedding station. A tool used to harden tissue specimens for sectioning (eg: Thermo Scientific embedding station).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
2. National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
3. American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
4. American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)
5. Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)
6. International Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ISCLS)
7. American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT)
8. International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (IAMLT)
9. American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI)
10. Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)

We also have Immunodiagnostics Scientist, Clinical Cytogeneticist, and Histotechnologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Grossing. The process of preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination in a pathology laboratory.
2. Embedding. A process of placing a tissue sample into a block of paraffin or other matrix material before slicing it into thin sections for microscopic examination.
3. Microtomy. The process of cutting tissue sections into thin slices for microscopic examination.
4. Histochemistry. The analysis of chemical composition of cells and tissues.
5. Immunohistochemistry. A technique used to detect the presence of specific antigens or antibodies within a tissue sample.
6. Cytology. The study of living cells, their structure, function, and pathology.
7. Cytochemistry. The study of the chemical components of cells.
8. Immunocytochemistry. The analysis of cells and tissues to identify specific antigens or antibodies.
9. Molecular Pathology. The study of the molecular basis of disease.
10. Autopsy. A postmortem examination of a body to determine the cause of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Histotechnician?

A Histotechnician is a laboratory technician who specializes in preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination.

What skills are necessary for a Histotechnician to have?

Histotechnicians should have excellent attention to detail and the ability to use precise laboratory techniques, as well as knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.

What type of environment does a Histotechnician typically work in?

Histotechnicians typically work in a laboratory setting, such as a hospital or doctor's office.

How long does it take to become a Histotechnician?

It typically takes two years to become a Histotechnician, with an associate degree in laboratory science or a related field.

What is the average salary for a Histotechnician?

The average salary for a Histotechnician is approximately $51,000 per year.

What are jobs related with Histotechnician?

• Cytogenetic Pathologist
• Genitourinary Pathologist
• Molecular Diagnostic Scientist
• Immunopathologist
• Specimen Accessioner
• Forensic Autopsy Pathologist
• Forensic Pathologist
• Neuropathology Fellow
• Medical Director
• Immunohistochemistry Technologist

Web Resources

• Health Professions: Histotechnician | RACC www.racc.edu
• Histotechnician | Delaware Technical Community College www.dtcc.edu
• What is a Histotechnician? | Goodwin College www.goodwin.edu