TRAITS

for Success

ability to concentrate

   for long periods

work well under pressure

detail-oriented

patient

 
istology is the microscopic study of tissues and
their structures.  Histology technicians (HTs) and
histotechnologists (HTLs) are experts in slide
preparation.  They prepare tissues by immersing them in
fluid to prevent decay, replacing the specimen's water
with wax, slicing the tissue and applying dyes.  The
slides are microscopically examined by a pathologist or
scientist for diagnosis.  Samples are also used for
teaching and research.  Histotechnologists perform
more specialized procedures, such as electron
microscopy to identify tissue parts and relate them to
body functions.  They can also establish new
laboratory and quality control procedures.
Average Starting Salary  (Histotechnologist) $38,469, (Histology Technician) $31,450
 
Work Environment
Hospital laboratories
Pharmaceutical companies
Physicians' offices
Public health departments
Research facilities
 
 
Academic Requirements
A college preparatory diploma is
recommended.  Students interested
in becoming histology technicians
may complete one of two routes of
study.  They may enter accredited
histology programs or acquire
associate degrees plus one year of
laboratory experience.  Students
interested in becoming a histotech-
nologist must complete a histologic
curriculum leading to a bachelor's
degree.  Those with bachelor's
degrees in related fields may also
enter accredited histologic programs.
 
Licensure, Certification and
Registration
Certification is often required by
employers.  It is available through the
American Society for Clinical Pathology.
Those who pass may use the credentials
HT or HTL after their names signifying a
histology technician or histotechnologist,
respectively.
 
Professional Organizations
American Society for Clinical
   Laboratory Science
(301) 657-2768
www.ascls.org
 
American Society for Clinical
   Pathology
(800) 267-2727
www.ascp.org
 
National Society for
   Histotechnology
(301) 262-6221
www.nsh.org
 
 
 
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Associate Degree

Florida
Darton College Barry University
  www.barry.edu
Bachelor's Degree  
Georgia does not have a  
histotechnologist program.  
 
Table of Contents

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