Employers

A histologic technician has the opportunity to work in many fields of medicine and science. Most are employed by hospitals or by industrial laboratories that specialize in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or household products. Other employers include medical clinics, universities, government organizations, and biomedical companies. Regional laboratories for large health systems hire employees to work flexible shifts since their laboratories operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This arrangement could allow a student to attend college classes while working.

Starting Out

You can apply directly to laboratory facilities in your area, contact your local employment office, or visit Web sites such as https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/medical-technician-jobs to search for job listings. The American Society for Clinical Pathology also has a career center for students on its Web site (https://www.ascp.org/content/careers/find-a-job) that is well worth exploring. If you complete a training program, placement assistance is often available to graduates.

The National Society for Histotechnology offers tips on writing a curriculum vitae and mastering job interviews, as well as an overview of careers, at its Web site, http://www.nsh.org.

Some histologic technicians become laboratory supervisors. Others specialize in certain areas of histotechnology such as orthopedic implants or diseases of the lungs. Technicians who have more education and experience are more likely to be promoted. In the future, an associate's degree is likely to become the standard requirement for entering the field and being promoted. Returning to school and earning a bachelor's degree will also provide opportunities for advancement into other medical or business fields.

Tour a local hospital or laboratory to see what histologic technicians do.

Visit industry associations' Web sites to learn more about the field and available student programs and memberships.

If you're still in school, ask your career adviser to set up an information interview with a histologic technician. You can also do this yourself by contacting a local lab or hospital.

Visit https://www.ascp.org/content/careers/find-a-job for job listings.