U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration https://www.onetonline.org 5m 1,231 #insights
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
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.
Sample of reported job titles:
Charge Histotechnologist, Clinical Laboratory Manager, Histology Specialist, Histology Technologist, Histotechnologist
Tasks
Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
Perform tests by following physician instructions.
Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
Supervise histology laboratory activities.
Teach students or other staff.
Technology Skills
Hot Technologies are requirements frequently included in employer job postings.
Detailed Work Activities
Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
Analyze laboratory findings.
Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
Collect biological specimens from patients.
Distribute supplies to workers.
Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
Maintain repair or maintenance records.
Prepare medications or medical solutions.
Supervise technical medical personnel.
Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
Job Zone
- Title
- Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some do not.
- Related Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Job Zone Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
- SVP Range
- 2-4 years of preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)
Training & Credentials
- State training
- Local training
- Certifications
- State licenses
- Apprenticeships
- Have a career path or location in mind? Visit Apprenticeship.gov
external site to find apprenticeship opportunities near you.
Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Employment data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Industry data for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
- Median wages (2021)
- $27.79 hourly, $57,800 annual
- State wages
- Local wages
- Employment (2020)
- 335,500 employees
- Projected growth (2020-2030)
Faster than average (10% to 15%)- Projected job openings (2020-2030)
- 25,900
- State trends
- Top industries (2020)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 wage data
external site and 2020-2030 employment projections
external site.
“Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
- State job openings
- Local job openings
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer:
Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries.
Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.
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