The Histologic Technician, using specialized or standard methods, prepares sections of body tissues for microscopic examinations by a pathologist. This includes freezing and cutting tissue samples, mounting them on slides, and staining them with special dyes so that specific structural characteristics or substances are visible under the microscope. This work is often done while a surgical team is waiting for the results of the pathologist's diagnosis in order to resume surgery. Therefore, the work must be extremely accurate. With recent advances, the electron microscope may be used for specialized procedures.

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Programs are usually offered in a hospital or laboratory facility. Some courses of study included in the programs are: histology, laboratory mathematics, microscopy, processing techniques, anatomy, immunology, histochemistry, preparation of specimens, medical terminology, and chemistry. After course completion a student is eligible for the national examination for certification by the Registry of American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

• Less than 2 years

With physicians using diagnostic laboratory tests, employment opportunities are plentiful. It should be emphasized that this is a specialty, so a hospital may employ no more than one or two Histology Technicians. Smaller and rural hospitals can utilize the services of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to perform these duties. With the increasing development of advanced laboratory facilities in teaching hospitals, one may eventually move into research and/or teaching. As in most occupations, replacement needs will be the main source of job openings. Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 creating additional job openings. The rapidly growing older population will spur demand, since older people generally have more medical problems. Technological changes will have two opposite effects on employment. New, more powerful diagnostic tests will encourage more testing and spur employment. However, advances in laboratory automation and simpler tests, which make it possible for each worker to perform more tests, should slow growth. Research and development efforts are targeted at simplifying routine testing procedures so that nonlaboratory personnel - physicians and patients in particular - can perform tests now done in laboratories. Also, robots may prepare specimens, a job now done by technologists and technicians. Fastest growth is expected in independent medical laboratories, as hospitals continue to send them a greater share of their testing. Rapid growth is also expected in offices and clinics of physicians. Slower growth is expected in hospitals.

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances using a variety of tests. Similar or related procedures are performed by chemists, crime laboratory analysts, food testers, and veterinary laboratory technicians.

$37,440

• Argosy University/Twin Cities

• Aft Healthcare
• American Association Of Bioanalysts
• American Medical Technologists
• American Society For Clinical Pathology
• Ascp Board Of Registry
• College Of American Pathologists
• National Accrediting Agency For Clinical Laboratory Sciences