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Histologic Technicians


Overview

Histologic Technicians

Introduction

Histologic technicians perform basic laboratory procedures to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination. They process specimens to prevent deterioration and cut them using special laboratory equipment. They stain specimens with special dyes and mount the tissues on slides. Histologic technicians work closely with pathologists and other medical personnel to detect disease and illness. They are also known as histology technicians and histotechnicians.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$59,472

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Employment Prospects

Excellent

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Minimum Education Level

Some Postsecondary Training
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Experience

On-the-job training, part-time experience in a lab


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Skills

Mechanical/Manual Dexterity
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Personality Traits

Conventional
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Earnings

According to Salary.com, earnings for histologic technicians ranged from $52,630 to $65,492 in February 2020, with an average of $59,472. Wages are generally higher in the Northeast and western regions of the United States.

In general, geographic location, experience, level of education, type of employer, and work performed determine the salary range for histologic technicia...

Work Environment

Histologic technicians work in laboratories that are well ventilated. Most of the tissue processors that they use are enclosed, minimizing inhalation of odors and chemical fumes. Histologic technicians occasionally work with hazardous chemicals but wear protective clothing and carefully monitor exposure levels. They also face the risk of contact with disease through tissue samples. However, the...

Outlook

Employment for medical laboratory technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. As the aging population grows and the number of people who are covered by health insurance expands, the demand for laboratory tests will increase. Advances in technology will have both positive and negative effe...