Histology technicians analyze tissue samples for review.
Histology technicians work in clinical laboratories under the supervision of pathologists and other laboratory managers. Histology technicians collect and prepare specimen samples for pathologists to perform tests. Technicians also record data and maintain instruments and equipment. The earnings of histology technicians vary depending on their place of employment and education level.
Earnings
Histology technicians are found in a variety of settings. They are most often found in the hospitals, physician's offices and private clinics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, histology technicians working in hospitals and private clinics earned a median wage of $20 per hour as of May 2008. Histology technicians who worked in the laboratory of doctor's offices earned a wage of $21 per hour.
Education
Histology technicians typically earn an associate degree or certificate of completion from a community or junior college. Vocational schools also offer education certificates for histology technicians. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits several hundred clinical laboratory and histo-technician programs across the United States.
Technicians are trained in biological sciences, medical technology, mathematics and statistics. Some technicians receive additional education and training on the job. Histology technicians work with infectious specimens and are highly trained in proper handling and sterilization techniques. Technicians with additional education and training can advance to become histology technologists. Technologists have more job responsibilities and often supervise technicians. They also earn higher wages than technicians.
Certification
Histology technicians are not required to become certified or licensed but technicians who graduate from an accredited program become eligible for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. According to the organization, certified technicians can enjoy better job prospects and higher salaries. Histology technician certification requires techs to acquire significant education and clinical laboratory experience to be designated as a certified histo-technician.
Employment
According to the BLS, employment of clinical lab workers is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2008 and 2018. Lab workers across all occupations including histology technicians, phlebotomists and medical technicians held more than 150,000 jobs in 2008. The BLS indicates that most employment opportunities are in hospitals, although employment growth is expected across all industries.
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