Histopathology technicians prepare and stain tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist to diagnose disease. They complete a two-year certification program and work in hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies. Employers seek candidates with strong knowledge of staining tissue samples, manual dexterity, and communication skills. Employment prospects are projected to be excellent.
Histopathology is the study of diseased body tissues taken from a biopsy or surgical specimen. The person initially responsible for preparing the tissue samples is the histopathology technician. This person typically works in a laboratory cutting and preparing slides of diseased tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist, which confirms the diagnosis of disease, dysfunction, or malignancy. A prospective histopathology technician must complete a two-year accredited certification program along with clinical training. Employment prospects for medical careers in histopathology are projected to be excellent.
The histopathology technician prepares samples by freezing and cutting thin slices of tissue specimens that have been biopsied or surgically removed from paraffin blocks, which are mounted on microscope slides. Histopathology technicians stain slides with specialized stains to make morphological or structural details visible to the pathologist. In addition to tissue processing, paraffin microtomy, frozen sectioning, and staining, the histopathology technician may also be responsible for complying with quality control procedures, managing and ordering laboratory supplies, and completing data entry into clinical computer applications. Technologists work in hospital laboratories, research institutions, industrial laboratories, public health departments, and government agencies.
Students interested in pursuing a scientific career as a histopathology technician should look for institutions that offer a certified program in the field. The National Society of Histotechnology maintains an up-to-date list of accredited programs in the United States. The course includes instruction in basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry. This is followed by classroom instruction in histological theory and techniques. This is where students learn how to grow, mend, process, embed, cut and stain fabrics, as well as troubleshoot technical problems that may arise in the lab. Most accredited programs will take a period of 24 months to complete, although shorter programs exist, and some students may choose to continue their training by completing a bachelor’s degree program. National certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is encouraged for advancement, although it is not required for entry-level employment.
Because histopathology technicians have a high degree of responsibility, employers look for candidates with a strong working knowledge of staining tissue samples, especially as it relates to the display of morphological structures. Manual dexterity, meticulous attention to detail, and skills in using precision equipment such as the electron microscope are also highly desirable traits. Candidates must demonstrate good oral and communication skills, computer skills, good color vision and a willingness to work cohesively as a team player.
Employment prospects for the histopathology technician remain strong, especially in hospitals, although employment opportunities are expected to increase in medical and diagnostic laboratories.
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