As a Histotechnologist, you will have to work behind the scenes, spending days preparing and processing various samples to diagnose the presence or absence of the disease. With this key contribution, you play a vital role in solving crimes, finding unique insights into a range of diseases, and gaining new knowledge about foods such as plant foods.
Using established scientific procedures, the role carefully prepares the sample and then conducts a series of tests based on what the pathologist requires. For example, you can test a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. In this role, it is important to be accurate and timely, as any omission with histological slides can lead to incorrect results, which can completely change the diagnosis of the donor.
When a Histotechnologist receives a sample, he or she takes the first step to prepare it by trimming it to fit the slide – this requires excellent training and skills. When the sample is measured and prepared, it is further processed to maintain its condition, then stained, inserted or partitioned according to specifications. Attention to detail is required to minimize erroneous results. The pathologist then performs a microscopic examination and evaluation of the slides.
Who is a Histotechnologist?
A histotechnician is a clinical laboratory therapist who prepares very fine samples of body tissues for examination by a pathologist under a microscope. Most histotechnicians work in reference libraries or hospitals. Precautions should be taken when handling potentially infectious specimens.
Histologists must be trained or graduate in histology. Licensing requirements vary by state, and voluntary certification is available through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Potential histotechnicians must have problem-solving skills, patience, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. They must be familiar with labeling software, spreadsheet software and medical software, and must be able to operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as microtoms, histological knives and tissue shredders.
What does a histotechnologist do?
At work, the histotechnologist is responsible for careful analysis of microscopic cellular and tissue structures before examinations. Together with the pathologist, the histotechnologist is responsible for determining the nature of the results. Disorders must be identified and associated with physiological functions. Tests and procedures can be recommended by a histologist and checked by a pathologist. The histotechnologist works in an environment that constantly monitors advances in technology, so further education courses in histology are needed.
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Skills needed to become a good histotechnologist
- Ability to work successfully under pressure
- Attention to detail
- Familiarity with spreadsheets, word processing and medical software
- Knowledge of anatomy, biology and chemistry
- Dexterity manually
- Operating procedures for laboratory equipment such as histological knives, tissue shredders and microtomes
- Patience
- Accuracy
- Problem solving
- Oral and written communication
Do you need education become a histotechnologist?
To start your career in histology, you should focus on high school biology, math, chemistry, and computer science. You can then enroll in a clinical science program. The National Agency for Accreditation of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredits histological technicians (HT) programs, which typically culminate in associate and histological (HTL) bachelor’s or master’s degrees (www.naacls.org).
These programs seek to teach you the basics of biology and chemistry in the classroom and to teach you laboratory work in a clinical setting. Many histology programs are qualified and will prepare you to take national exams for certification.
Histotechnologist licensing and certification
To become a histotechnologist, you must have a bachelor’s degree and a certificate from the National Agency for Accreditation of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an accredited program of the Committee on Medical Education and Accreditation (CAHEA).
Regulations vary by state, but certification is strongly recommended as many employers require it. The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers national certification and testing, giving histologists the title of Certified Histotechnologist (CHTL).
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How much is histotechnologist salary?
The salary of a histo-technician or histotechnologist depends on the hospital or institution and the size of the city in which he is located. Usually, the more education, the higher the salary. Leading histotechnologists receive an average hourly rate of $ 28.76, while executives and managers of histotechnology can earn $ 31.45 to $ 39.29.
How Do I Become A Histotechnologist In 2021?
· Earn a bachelor’s degree
The first step for those who want to become a histologist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Acceptable specialties for students include histotechnology, biology, chemistry or other approved science. Many of the responsibilities of a histotechnologist are research papers, so the student must succeed in these courses. Classes include a focus on biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, chemistry, immunology, histology and histochemistry.
· Take part in an internship
Laboratory training is usually required before becoming a histologist. After obtaining a degree, one who hopes to become a histologist must have completed at least one year of study in a histopathology laboratory. Most clinical pathology facilities have such a laboratory, and the student can work in a hospital or private laboratory.
The student will be under the supervision of a certified pathologist and will study the methods of pathology, as well as specialized training. Most histotechnologists must complete practical training under the supervision of a medical or research institution before graduation.
· Get certified
The certification test must be completed by a graduate to become a histologist. Not every state requires the test, but many individual employers require it. This test is performed by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), which charges a fee for registration for the exam. If a student takes a test, he or she becomes a Certified Histologist (CHTL).
· Get a state license
Some states require histologists to be licensed through the state. In some states, histotechnicians must apply for a license, while in other states, laboratory facilities are required to license their technicians. Licensing requirements may include completion of a NAACLS-accredited program or equivalent experience.
· Start practicing
After passing the test, ASCP provides a reference for employment to a person who wants to become a histologist. They can be found on the website and in the monthly publication. The histotechnologist is likely to work in a hospital, clinical pathology laboratory, research laboratory, physician’s office, or pharmaceutical company. The American Medical Association estimates the average annual salary of a histotechnologist from 45,000 to 50,000 US dollars (USD). Demand for these people is growing because the country as a whole lacks those who want to become histotechnologists.
Histotechnologist career outlook
BLS reports that technologies and techniques of medical and clinical laboratories can expect a 16% increase in demand in 2014-2024. This is much faster than the national average for most other professions. This is mainly due to the achievements of medical science, as well as the fact that the quality of medical care in general is improving, as well as the fact that more medical services will be provided at home.
This means that there will be a greater demand for technical staff that will be able to conduct tests to assist in diagnosis for those located elsewhere. According to Indeed.com, the average national salary for a histotechnologist is $50,000.00 with a high trust rating based on more than 250 sources. The average Histotechnologist salaries for job postings in USA are 13% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
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Histotechnologist jobs and typical employers
- Hospital laboratory
- Research institution
- Private clinic
- Laboratory of criminology
- Reference laboratory
- Dermatological clinic
- Cancer Center
- Installation of electron microscopy
- Medical expert / autopsy
- A special clinic, such as a kidney or urology center
- Veterinary diagnostic institution
- Research on wildlife diseases
- Zoo or animal reserve
- School
- Medical pedagogical school
- Licensing expert
- Production of life sciences
- Equipment training
- Sale of equipment
- Technical support services
- Research and development
