Histology technicians prepare and analyze living tissue samples to detect abnormalities and help pathologists identify diseases. They need to be well-organized, communicate frequently, and keep instruments sterilized. High school courses in biology, chemistry, communication, and computer science can help prepare for this career. Completing a two-year degree program and obtaining voluntary certification can maximize job opportunities. Histology technicians can work in hospitals, clinics, government research organizations, or private laboratories, and with experience, can become technologists or supervisors.
Clinical researchers called histology technicians carefully prepare and analyze samples of living tissue to detect abnormalities. Technicians place samples on microscope slides and help pathologists identify disease. A person who wants to become a histology technician can maximize his or her chances of finding work by completing a two-year degree program and passing a voluntary certification test. A newly certified technician is qualified to perform entry-level work in one of a variety of medical research settings, including general hospitals, specialty clinics and private laboratories.
A person who thinks they might want to become a histology technician should ensure that the specific job tasks are suited to their interests. Technicians need to be detailed and well organized to keep track of materials. It is necessary for professionals to communicate frequently with other laboratory professionals and physicians to organize experiments and report results. They are responsible for keeping instruments sterilized and in good working order at all times. In addition, histology technicians spend a significant amount of time entering data into computers and typing up laboratory documents.
High school courses in computer science, communication, biology, and chemistry can help prepare a person to become a histology technician. In fact, some labs hire entry-level workers who have high school diplomas. Most employers, however, require prospective technicians to earn associate degrees from accredited community colleges or specialized technical schools. Most associate degree programs take about two years to complete and provide both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Students have the opportunity to practice using microscopes, preparing slides and writing reports.
When choosing a training program for histology technicians, a potential student should thoroughly investigate the credentials of the school and its professors to ensure a quality education. By talking to admissions consultants and browsing school websites, an individual can discover tuition fees, graduation statistics, and job placement services offered by different programs.
After a person successfully completes an associate’s degree program, he or she should consider obtaining voluntary certification from a respected organization. In the United States, for example, the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) awards certification to people who graduate from accredited institutions and pass detailed examinations. Many other countries have ASCP-like organizations that provide credentials for new technicians. After receiving certification, a person can start submitting applications and resumes to potential employers.
A new professional can become a histology technician in a hospital, public health clinic, government research organization, or private laboratory. Working in hospitals and clinics can be very hectic, and often requires technicians to work overtime, nights and weekends to help with emergency situations. A person who chooses to become a histology technician in a research laboratory is more likely to have regular hours; in any work environment, however, careful and efficient work is very important. Regardless of job settings, new technicians who gain experience and prove their skills often manage to become technologists or supervisors in time.
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