A histotechnologist prepares human or animal tissue for examination by pathologists. To become one, a bachelor’s degree in histotechnology, biology, chemistry, or another approved science is required, followed by at least one year of training in a histopathology laboratory and passing a certification test. The average annual salary is $45,000 to $50,000 USD. Continuing education is necessary due to advances in technology.
A histotechnologist is someone who works in a variety of medical jobs, preparing human or animal tissue for examination by pathologists. To become a histotechnologist, an individual must possess a love of science, a strong work ethic, and a detail-oriented nature. Histotechnologists are also known as histological or tissue technologists.
The first step for anyone wanting to become a histologist involves earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Acceptable undergraduate degrees include histotechnology, biology, chemistry, or another approved science. Many histotechnologist duties are scientific work, so the student must excel in these courses. Classes include a focus on biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, chemistry, immunology, histology and histochemistry.
After graduating, someone hoping to become a histotechnologist must complete at least one year of training in a histopathology laboratory. Most clinical pathology settings have such a laboratory, and the student may work in a hospital or private laboratory. The student will be supervised by a certified pathologist and learn pathology techniques as well as specialized training.
A certification test must be given to the person who completes training to become a histotechnologist. Testing is not required by all states, but many employers do. This test is administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), which charges a fee to register for the exam. If the student passes the test, he or she becomes a certified histotechnologist (CHTL).
Upon completion of the test, the ASCP provides links to employment for the person who wants to become a histotechnologist. They can be found on the website and in the monthly publication. The histotechnologist will likely work in a hospital, clinical pathology laboratory, research laboratory, physician’s office, or pharmaceutical company. The American Medical Association lists the average annual salary of a histotechnologist at between $45,000 and $50,000 US Dollars (USD). The demand for these individuals is growing as there is a national shortage of those wanting to become histotechnologists.
At work, a histotechnologist is responsible for closely analyzing the microscopic structures of cells and tissues before performing exams. Along with a pathologist, the histotechnologist is responsible for determining the nature of the results. Abnormalities must be identified and related to physiological functions. Tests and procedures may be recommended by the histotechnologist and verified by the pathologist. The histotechnologist works in an environment that is constantly seeing advances in technology; therefore, continuing education classes in histology are needed.
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