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Histotechnologists - 29-2011.04

O*NET-SOC Description

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager)
  • Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager)
  • Histology Specialist
  • Histology Technologist
  • Histotechnologist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
  • 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.
  • Perform tests by following physician instructions.
  • Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
  • Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
  • Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
  • Supervise histology laboratory activities.
  • Teach students or other staff.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze laboratory findings.
  • Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
  • Collect biological specimens from patients.
  • Distribute supplies to workers.
  • Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain repair or maintenance records.
  • Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
  • Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
  • Prepare medications or medical solutions.
  • Supervise technical medical personnel.
  • Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
  • Train medical providers.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aerospace Medical Service (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Aeromedical Education Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Allergy/Immunization Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Independent Duty Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, National Registry Paramedic (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Aerospace Medical Service Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cytotechnologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Craftsman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Dental Assistant Journeyman, Dental Hygienist (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Journeyman, Health Information Technology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Management Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Health Services Technician (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Histopathology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Histopathology Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Histopathology Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Histopathology Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Histopathology Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Histopathology Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Hospital Corpsman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Medical Administration Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Medical Laboratory (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Pathologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Cytology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Dermatology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Forensic (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Gynecology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Hematology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Neuropathology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Pediatric (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Pediatrics (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Transfusion Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Histotechnologist