Details Report for:
29-2011.03 - Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians
Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist in research studies.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Education | Wages & Employment
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes.
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Freeze tissue specimens.
- Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
- Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
- Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
- Maintain laboratory equipment such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
- Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
- Supervise histology laboratory activities.
- Teach students or other staff.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
100   |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 72 |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 61 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 11 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
| 6 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 6 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 67 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 56 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 50 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 50 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 45 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 33 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Education
Education data collected from Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists.
Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
| 50 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
| 35 |
Some college |
| 14 |
High school or less |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists.
Employment data collected from Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists.
| Category | Occupation Information |
|---|---|
| Median wages (2008) | $25.72 hourly, $53,500 annual |
| Employment (2006) | 167,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) | 
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) | 46,000 additional employees |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2006-2016 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.