Histotechnologist

Explore This Path

Perfect for those passionate about health and disease research through tissue analysis.
Play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases by preparing tissue samples for pathologists.
Unique opportunity to solve technical challenges and contribute to medical research.

💰 Earn $85K-$141K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

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What You’ll Do

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Median Earnings

$110,260 in California

$57,800 Nationally

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Histotechnologist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years