The field of histotechnology is a hidden gem. Most people aren’t aware of the important
role that histotechs play in the medical field. Ultimately, histotechnicians provide
the support, expertise, knowledge and skills to prepare a tissue sample for microscopic
diagnosis. And since a majority of disease is confirmed by tissue analysis, you as
a certified laboratory professional will be instrumental in the lives of thousands
of individuals over your career.
The questions below have been designed to inform you about the unique opportunities
that wait for a licensed histotechnician.
Hisotechnicians are licensed medical laboratory personnel who prepare tissue samples
for microscopic diagnosis by a pathologist or PhD. These samples can be in the form
of human and/or veterinary and in many cases provide the tools for proper management
of disease processes. Much of the work done in research starts with the analysis of
veterinary tissue samples.
A majority of HT professionals hold bench tech positions at a number of different
employers. Advancement in the field though can eventually lead a histotechnician to
a role of department supervisor/manager. An individual who wishes to advance their
education to the level of a bachelor’s degree also has the ability to sit for the
Histotechnologist (HTL) certification. As the field continues to expand with the onset
of more specialized tests, Histotechs will continue to see an expansion of roles in
the field.
Many of the job opportunities for histotechnicians come from hospitals and other clinical
and independent laboratories. However, any technician interested in forensics, crime
and/or coroner work, pharmaceutical and university research and biotechnology can
find unique and rewarding careers within employers that specialize in these areas.
A survey is conducted annually by the American Society for Clinical Pathology to gauge
the vacancy rate for medical laboratory professionals. Nationally, the vacancy rate
stands at about 10% and continues to climb as the standards for the profession are
raised and the number of graduates from accredited programs remains fairly fixed.
The Health Sciences department is responsible for the information on this page.
To inquire about the Histologic Technician program, please contact Email: Taiquanda Winbush.
