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Histology Technicians Occupation Detailed Description

Histology Technicians career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Histology Technicians

The main tasks and work activities of Histology Technicians are to enter patient or treatment data into computers, operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples, analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems, analyze laboratory findings. In general, for the Histology Technicians, active Listening, reading Comprehension, speaking, critical Thinking and other 14 skills are required.
Histology Technicians Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Histology Technicians jobs. 4.24% of Histology Technicians have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 0.44% of Histology Technicians have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
0.00%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
4.24%
Post-Secondary Certificate
0.44%
Some College Courses
0.91%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
30.90%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
63.51%

Tasks and Work Activities of Histology Technicians

  • Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
  • Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
  • Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
  • Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.
  • Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
  • Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
  • Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
  • Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
  • Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.
  • Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
  • Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.
  • Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
  • Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
  • Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.
  • Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
  • Processing InformationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Documenting/Recording InformationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMonitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
  • Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
  • Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
  • Analyze laboratory findings.
  • Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
  • Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
  • Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
  • Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
  • Cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations.
  • Collect biological specimens from patients.
  • Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
  • Train medical providers.
  • Supervise technical medical personnel.
  • Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
  • Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
  • Clean medical equipment or facilities.

Skills and Abilities for Histology Technicians

  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • ScienceUsing scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • InstructingTeaching others how to do something.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Visual Color DiscriminationThe ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Perceptual SpeedThe ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
  • Number FacilityThe ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  • Hypodermic needlee.g. 22-gauge needles
  • Hematology analyzerse.g. 5-part differential automated hematology analyzers
  • Electronic multichannel pipetterse.g. 8 and 12 channel pipettes
  • Blood bank analyzerse.g. Agglutination viewers
  • Anaerobic jars or accessoriese.g. Anaerobe jars
  • Analytical balancese.g. Analytical balances
  • Tissue culture coated plates or dishes or insertse.g. Antigen-coated test plates
  • Steam autoclaves or sterilizerse.g. Autoclaves
  • Chemistry analyzerse.g. Automated chemistry analyzers
  • Coagulation analyzerse.g. Automated coagulation analyzers
  • Hematology analyzerse.g. Automated platelet analyzers
  • Chemistry analyzerse.g. Automated/semi-automated dipstick analysis systems
  • Robotic or automated liquid handling systemse.g. Automatic pipetters
  • Bench refractometers or polarimeterse.g. Bench refractometers
  • Specialty plates for bacteriae.g. Blood agar plates
  • Laboratory chillerse.g. Blood bank refrigerators
  • Blood collection needlee.g. Blood collection needles
  • Blood collection syringese.g. Blood collection syringes
  • Shaking incubatorse.g. Blood culture incubators
  • Butterfly needlese.g. Butterfly needles
  • BiologyKnowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  • ChemistryKnowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • ClericalKnowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
  • Medicine and DentistryKnowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.