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OVERVIEW Histologic technicians perform basic laboratory procedures to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination. They process specimens to prevent deterioration and cut them using special laboratory equipment. They stain specimens with special dyes and mount the tissues on slides. Histologic technicians work closely with pathologists and other medical personnel to detect disease and illness. HISTORY In 1664, Robert Hooke, an English scientist, used his penknife to slice pieces of cork. He placed these thin sections under the microscope. A few years later, the Dutch naturalist Anton van Leeuwenhoek used his shaving razor to carve thin sections from flowers, a writing quill, and a cow’s optic nerve. Both men wanted to observe the microscopic structure of objects. Because of their investigations, the science of histology was born.
THE JOB Histologic technicians use delicate instruments, which are often computerized, to prepare tissues for microscopic scrutiny and diagnosis. They must also perform quality control tests and keep accurate records of their work. After a tissue sample is taken, the first step in preparing it for study is known as fixation. A pathologist or scientist usually performs this step. The specimen is examined, described, trimmed to the right size, and placed in special fluids to preserve it. When the fixed specimen arrives at the histology lab, the histologic technician removes the water and replaces it with melted wax, which moves into the tissue and provides support for the delicate cellular structure as it cools and hardens. Then the technician places small pieces of wax-soaked tissue in larger blocks of wax, a step called embedding, which prevents the tissue from collapsing during the next step of the process. The technician then sections the specimen by mounting it on a microtome, a scientific instrument with a very sharp blade. The microtome cuts thin slices of tissue, often only one cell thick. The technician cuts many sections of tissue, usually one after another so they form a ribbon, which are then placed in warm water until they flatten out. Then the prepared sections are laid on microscope slides. Next the technician stains each tissue specimen by adding chemicals and then places a coverslip over the sample to protect it. Different stains highlight different tissue structures or abnormalities in the cells, which aids in the diagnosis and study of diseases. A second, quicker technique is used to prepare samples and make diagnoses while the patient is still in the operating room. In these cases, tissue specimens are frozen instead of being embedded in wax. It is important for a technician to work swiftly, accurately, and cooperate with the rest of the team during this procedure because surgeries cannot be completed until test results are delivered. In the laboratory, histologic technicians work with a lot of machines, such as robotic stainers, tissue processors, and cover slippers, but they must have the knowledge to perform all the functions manually should the equipment malfunction. They must also work closely with a team of researchers, as well as other laboratory and medical personnel. REQUIREMENTS High School Biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science courses are necessary to develop the preliminary technical skills needed for histo-technology programs. Classes in communication, such as speech and English, are also helpful to reinforce your written and verbal skills. Postsecondary Training You can become a histologic technician with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but a college degree or other formal training is becoming more generally recommended. You can enter the field with an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and with supervised, hands-on experience in clinical settings. You may also prepare for the profession through a one- or two-year certificate program at an accredited institution, such as a hospital. These programs combine classroom studies along with clinical and laboratory experience. Certification or Licensing Certification is not required for entry-level histologic technicians, but it can aid in your hiring and the advancement of your career. The Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathology is the main certifying organization for professions in laboratory medicine. Applicants can qualify for the Board of Registry exam in three ways. They can complete an accredited program in histo-technology, earn an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university and combine it with one year of experience, or have a high school diploma and two years of experience. In January 2005, this last route will no longer be acceptable for qualification; advanced educational training will be required in order to be eligible for certification. Some states also require that all laboratory personnel he licensed; check your individual state dept. of health for requirements. Other Requirements To he a successful histologic technician, you should be patient, attentive to detail, and able to concentrate well under pressure when necessary. Good color vision and manual dexterity are important for the meticulous work involved. Some laboratory work can also be repetitive, requiring technicians to perform the same part of a procedure all day long. Finally, you must be honest and willing to admit mistakes made, because people’s lives may depend on how well you do your job. EXPLORING A good way to explore the work of histologic technicians is to pre pare your own specimens and slides. You can purchase an inexpensive microscope at most toy or hobby shops, and many kits with prepared slides and materials to prepare slides of your own. Taking biology and earth science classes that involve laboratory work will also provide you with the chance to prepare specimens for observation. You can also ask your guidance counselor or science teacher to help you contact a histologic technician to find out about the day-to day responsibilities of his or her job. EMPLOYERS A histologic technician has the opportunity to work in many fields of medicine and science. Most are employed by hospitals or by industrial laboratories that specialize in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or household products. Other employers include medical clinics, universities, government organizations, and biomedical companies. Regional laboratories for large health systems hire employees to work flexible shifts since their laboratories operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This arrangement could allow a student to attend college classes while working. STARTING OUT You can apply directly to laboratory facilities in your area, contact your local employment office, or check your local newspaper’s help wanted ads. If you complete a training program, placement assistance is often available to graduates. ADVANCEMENT Some histologic technicians become laboratory supervisors. Others specialize in certain areas of histo-technology such as orthopedic implants or diseases of the lungs. Technicians who have more education and experience are more likely to be promoted. In the future, an associate’s degree is likely to become the standard requirement for entering the field and being promoted. Returning to school and earning a bachelor’s degree will also provide opportunities for advancement into other medical or business fields. EARNINGS According to the U.S. Department of Labor median earnings of clinical laboratory technicians were $27,540 in 2000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,550, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $42,370 a year. These figures include a broad spectrum of laboratory jobs. According to the American Society of Clinical Pathology, the national salary average for histologic technicians ranged from $24,960 to $35,984 in 2000. Wages are generally higher in the Northeast and Western regions of the United States. In general, geographic location, experience, level of education, type of employer, and work performed determine the salary range for histologic technicians. Education, certification, experience, and specialization can increase earnings for histologic technicians. Benefits such as vacation time, sick leave, health insurance, and other fringe benefits vary by employer but are usually consistent with other full-time health care workers. WORK ENVIRONMENT Histologic technicians work in laboratories that are well ventilated. Most of the tissue processors that they use are enclosed, minimizing inhalation of odors and chemical fumes. Histologic technicians occasionally work with hazardous chemicals but wear protective clothing and carefully monitor exposure levels. They also face the risk of contact with disease through tissue samples. However, the steps involved in preparing specimens generally kill any living organisms. Some histologic technicians may spend a great deal of time standing or sitting in one position and performing one type of operation, though most are able to rotate jobs. They must also deal with government regulations and spend time complying with required reports and organizing paperwork. Technicians who work for large laboratories or hospitals may be required to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays. OUTLOOK Employment for clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Advances in technology will have both positive and negative effects on employment in this career. The development of new tests and procedures is expected to increase opportunities, but at the same time many tests are being simplified so that health care professionals and patients can perform them themselves. FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on histologic technician careers, accredited schools, and employment opportunities, contact the following organizations: American Medical Association 515 North State Street Chicago, IL 60610 Tel: 312-464-5000 American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry 2100 West Harrison Street Chicago, IL 60612 Tel: 312-738-1336 Email: info@ascp.org National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670 Chicago, IL 60631 Tel: 773-714-8880 Email: info@naacls.org For career information and a list of schools of histotechnology, contact National Society for Histotechnology 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 502 Bowie, MD 2071 6-2604 Tel: 301-262-6221 Email: histo@nsh.org Next: Prev.: Emergency Medical Technicians |
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