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.

What They Do

Histotechnologists prepare and analyze tissue samples that help doctors diagnose diseases, particularly cancer. Working primarily in hospital laboratories, private pathology labs, or research facilities, they receive tissue specimens from biopsies or surgeries and transform them into thin, stained slides that pathologists can examine under a microscope. Their day involves carefully cutting tissue samples with specialized instruments called microtomes, embedding specimens in wax or other media, and applying various chemical stains that highlight different cellular structures. They operate and maintain sophisticated laboratory equipment, ensuring each slide meets strict quality standards for diagnostic accuracy.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences(masters)Duke University, NC

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(postbacc-cert)San Francisco State University, CA

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)CUNY York College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Mercy University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(masters)CUNY Hunter College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(masters)Long Island University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Farmingdale State College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Stony Brook University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)St. Joseph's University-New York, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Marist University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)State University of New York at Plattsburgh, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Nazareth University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Roberts Wesleyan University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)St. John's University-New York, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)St. Thomas Aquinas College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Canisius University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)CUNY Graduate School and University Center, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Long Island University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Keuka College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Elmira College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Hartwick College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)SUNY at Fredonia, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)SUNY Brockport, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)The College of Saint Rose, NY

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