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Profession: Medical Technologies

Histotechnician: Histotechnicians cut and stain tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists. Technicians may prepare specimens and operate automated analyzers, for example, or they may perform manual tests in accordance with detailed instructions. They usually work under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.

Salary Range: $26,430 - $41,020

Salary Notes: Salary depends on work setting; median salary for clinical lab technicians in Vermont is $41,800. Salaries are highest in hospitals, colleges, universities and professional schools.

Where you can study:
Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, RI

Where you might work:
Clinics - Educational Institutions - Hospitals - Industries/Corporations - Insurance Companies - Public Health Agencies -

Job Outlook: Employment of histotechnicians is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2016; excellent job opportunities are available throughout the country.

Education, Licensing and Certification: Minimum education for histotechnicians is a certificate program or an associate degree. Advancement opportunities exist for those who earn a bachelor’s degree plus work experience or study in a histotechnology program can become histotechnologists. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) administers national certification exams for histotechnicians and histotechnologists.

Professional Organizations:
American Society for Clinical Pathology 800-267-2727 www.ascp.org
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences 773-714-8880 www.naacls.org