Histology Technicians
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
This is a specialization of
Medical Laboratory TechniciansCareer Overview Video
AI Impact Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 2/6: high AI task exposure indicates this career is being transformed by AI (estimated from legacy data)
How we calculated this:
52% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
0% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 15/25
Key Responsibilities
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Freeze tissue specimens.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
Education & Training
Typical Entry Education
Associate's degree
Time to Job Ready
1-3 years
Based on Job Zone 3. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.
Technology Skills
Key Abilities
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Find jobs and training programs for histology technicians- Median salary: $61K/year
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Compensation Details
Based on 334,380 employed workers
Also Known As
Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
O*NET Code: 29-2012.01