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Healthcare

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Median salary

$61,890

Typical range

$38k – $98k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Histotechnologists

    Entry / Junior

    $38,020

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Histotechnologists

    Established

    $61,890

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Histotechnologists

    Senior

    $79,940

Key skills

A typical day

  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.

Fields of study

Any field

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