The study of diseased body tissues obtained from a biopsy or surgical sample is known as histopathology. The histopathology technician is the person who is initially in charge of preparing tissue specimens. This person usually works in a lab, cutting and preparing slides of diseased tissue for microscopic examination a pathologist, who confirms the disease, dysfunction, or malignancy diagnosis. A potential histopathology technician must complete a two-year certificate program as well as clinical training. Medical careers in histopathology are expected to have excellent job prospects.
Samples are prepared freezing and sectioning thin slices of biopsied or surgically removed tissue specimens from paraffin blocks, which are then mounted on microscopic slides the histopathology technician. Histopathology technicians use specialized dyes to stain the slides so that the pathologist can see the morphological, or structural, details. In addition to tissue processing, paraffin microtomy, frozen cutting, and staining, the histopathology technician may be responsible for quality control procedures, laboratory supply management, and data entry into clinical computer applications. Hospital laboratories, research institutions, industrial laboratories, public health departments, and government agencies all employ technologists.
Students who want to work as a histopathology technician in science should look for schools that offer a certificate program in the field. The National Society for Histotechnology keeps a list of accredited programs in the United States up to date. Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry are among the basic sciences covered in class. After that, students are taught histological theory and techniques in the classroom. Students learn how to gross, fix, process, embed, cut, and stain tissues in this lab, as well as troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise. Although shorter programs exist, most accredited programs take 24 months to complete, and some students may choose to continue their education completing a baccalaureate degree program. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) recommends national certification for advancement, but it is not required for entry-level positions.
Employers seek candidates with a strong working knowledge of tissue specimen staining, particularly as it relates to displaying morphological structures, because histopathology technicians have a high level of responsibility. Manual dexterity, meticulous attention to detail, and proficiency with precision equipment, such as an electron microscope, are all highly desirable qualities. Candidates should have strong oral and written communication skills, as well as computer skills, good color vision, and a willingness to work as part of a team.
The job outlook for histopathology technicians remains positive, particularly in hospitals, though employment opportunities in medical and diagnostic laboratories are expected to grow.