A histotechnologist works in a variety of medical settings, preparing human or animal tissue for pathologists to examine. To work as a histotechnologist, you must have a passion for science, a strong work ethic, and an attention to detail. Histotechnologists, also known as histologic technologists or tissue technologists, are specialists in the field of histology.
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is the first step toward becoming a histologist. Histotechnology, biology, chemistry, or another approved science are all acceptable undergraduate majors. Because many of the responsibilities of a histotechnologist are science-related, the student must excel in these courses. Biology, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, chemistry, immunology, histology, and histochemistry are among the topics covered in class.
A person wishing to work as a histotechnologist must complete at least one year of training in a histopathology laboratory after receiving their degree. A laboratory like this can be found in almost every clinical pathology setting, and the student can work in either a hospital or a private lab. A certified pathologist will supervise the student, who will learn pathology techniques as well as specialized training.
A certification test should be given to anyone who has completed histotechnologist training. Although the test is not mandated by every state, it is mandated by a large number of employers. The American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) administers this exam, and there is a fee to register for it. The student becomes a Certified Histotechnologist if he or she passes the exam (CHTL).
After passing the test, the ASCP provides job opportunities to anyone interested in becoming a histotechnologist. They’re available on the website and in the monthly newsletter. In a hospital, clinical pathology lab, research lab, doctor’s office, or pharmaceutical company, the histotechnologist will most likely work. A histotechnologist’s average annual salary, according to the American Medical Association, is between $45,000 and $50,000 US Dollars (USD). There is a nationwide shortage of people who want to work as histotechnologists, so demand for these people is growing.
Before performing examinations, a histotechnologist must carefully examine microscopic cell and tissue structures on the job. The histotechnologist is responsible for determining the nature of the results in collaboration with a pathologist. Anomalies must be found and linked to physiological functions. The histotechnologist can recommend tests and procedures, which the pathologist can confirm. Because the histotechnologist works in an environment where technology is constantly changing, he or she must take histology continuing education classes.