29-2011.04

Histotechnologists

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.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Technologists and Technicians
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Technology Tools

MEDITECH softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
  • Perform tests by following physician instructions.
  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
  • 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.
  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
  • Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
  • Supervise histology laboratory activities.
  • Teach students or other staff.
  • Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
  • Select and maintain controls for stains.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
63%
Monitoring
60%
Critical Thinking
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Speaking
56%
Active Learning
56%
Operations Monitoring
56%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Active Listening
56%
Time Management
53%
Writing
53%
Coordination
50%
Science
50%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Systems Evaluation
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Learning Strategies
44%
Instructing
41%
Troubleshooting
41%
Persuasion
41%
Operation and Control
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Service Orientation
41%
Systems Analysis
38%
Negotiation
38%
Mathematics
35%
Equipment Maintenance
35%
Repairing
31%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Equipment Selection
28%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Programming
19%
Technology Design
16%
Installation
6%
Operations Analysis
6%

Knowledge

Biology
74%
Production and Processing
63%
Chemistry
62%
Customer and Personal Service
59%
English Language
56%
Administrative
51%
Education and Training
50%
Mathematics
49%
Computers and Electronics
48%
Administration and Management
42%
Medicine and Dentistry
40%
Mechanical
39%
Public Safety and Security
38%
Personnel and Human Resources
32%
Engineering and Technology
25%
Communications and Media
24%
Telecommunications
24%
Psychology
19%
Law and Government
19%
Physics
18%
Economics and Accounting
18%
Transportation
17%
Sales and Marketing
11%
Design
11%
Building and Construction
8%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
Foreign Language
5%
Geography
5%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
Philosophy and Theology
4%
Fine Arts
3%
History and Archeology
1%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Near Vision
75%
Written Comprehension
69%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
63%
Oral Comprehension
63%
Oral Expression
60%
Problem Sensitivity
60%
Written Expression
60%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Far Vision
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Inductive Reasoning
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Visual Color Discrimination
53%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Control Precision
50%
Manual Dexterity
47%
Visualization
44%
Fluency of Ideas
44%
Originality
44%
Perceptual Speed
44%
Memorization
41%
Speed of Closure
41%
Reaction Time
38%
Rate Control
38%
Mathematical Reasoning
35%
Auditory Attention
35%
Depth Perception
35%
Multilimb Coordination
35%
Trunk Strength
35%
Time Sharing
35%
Number Facility
35%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
31%
Extent Flexibility
31%
Static Strength
28%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Stamina
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Explosive Strength
22%
Gross Body Coordination
22%
Response Orientation
16%
Dynamic Flexibility
10%
Spatial Orientation
6%
Speed of Limb Movement
6%
Night Vision
3%
Sound Localization
3%
Peripheral Vision
3%
Glare Sensitivity
3%

Work Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
78%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
78%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
71%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
70%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
69%
Getting Information
68%
Working with Computers
68%
Controlling Machines and Processes
64%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
64%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
63%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
62%
Processing Information
58%
Training and Teaching Others
58%
Handling and Moving Objects
56%
Developing and Building Teams
56%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
53%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
51%
Analyzing Data or Information
50%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
48%
Performing General Physical Activities
48%
Coaching and Developing Others
47%
Performing Administrative Activities
47%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
44%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
43%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
42%
Thinking Creatively
40%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
39%
Scheduling Work and Activities
39%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
39%
Staffing Organizational Units
39%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
38%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
35%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
33%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
32%
Assisting and Caring for Others
31%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
29%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
24%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
20%
Selling or Influencing Others
13%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
5%

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

100%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

97%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

95%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

95%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

93%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

92%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

92%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

88%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

86%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

86%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

85%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

82%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

79%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

73%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

70%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

69%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

68%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

68%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

67%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

67%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

66%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

65%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

64%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

57%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

55%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

54%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

53%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

45%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

45%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

44%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

43%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

42%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

41%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

38%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

36%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

35%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

35%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

30%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

28%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

26%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

17%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

15%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

14%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

12%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

10%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

9%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

8%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

8%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

4%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

3%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

3%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

1%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

43%

Associate's degree

19%

Post-secondary certificate

14%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

94

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

80

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

70

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

30

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

4

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

1

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
80%
Integrity
69%
Intellectual Curiosity
67%
Achievement Orientation
57%
Perseverance
57%
Cooperation
50%
Stress Tolerance
49%
Adaptability
43%
Self-Control
41%
Initiative
29%
Leadership Orientation
29%
Self-Confidence
27%
Humility
20%
Sincerity
17%
Innovation
15%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
9%
Empathy
7%
Optimism
7%
Social Orientation
1%

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