BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasHistotechnologists

O*NET · 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.

Also called Clinical Lab Manager · Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager) · Grossing Tech · Grossing Technician (Grossing Tech) · Histocompatibility Technologist · Histologist · Histology Lab Manager · Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager)
6 more

Histology Specialist · Histology Technologist · Histotechnician · Histotechnologist · Mohs Technician · Mohs Technician (Micrographically Oriented Histographic Surgery Technician)

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Agricultural Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.56
  • R Realistic5.72
  • C Conventional5.16
  • S Social2.89
  • A Artistic1.31
  • E Enterprising1.05

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent5%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate14%
  • Some College Courses5%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree19%
  • Bachelor's Degree43%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%
  • Master's Degree10%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (52%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (29%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Operations Monitoring3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Writingbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Time Management3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
  • Sciencebasic3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Quality Control Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Instructing2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Troubleshooting2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operation and Control2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Negotiation2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Mathematicsbasic2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Equipment Maintenance2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Selection2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Management of Material Resources2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Programming1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Installation1.3—
  • Operations Analysis1.3—

Tasks

15 core · 1 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.4.9
  2. Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.4.8
  3. Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.4.7
  4. Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.4.6
  5. Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.4.5
  6. Perform tests by following physician instructions.4.5
  7. Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.4.4
  8. Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.4.4
  9. Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.4.3
  10. Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.4.3
  11. Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.4.1
  12. Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.4.1
Show the other 4
  1. Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.3.9
  2. Supervise histology laboratory activities.3.8
  3. Teach students or other staff.3.7
  4. Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Biology4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Chemistry3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Production and Processing3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Customer and Personal Service3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English Language3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administrative3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Education and Training3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Mathematics3.02.8
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and Management2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Mechanical2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.62.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Public Safety and Security2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Communications and Media2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Engineering and Technology2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Telecommunications2.00.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Law and Government1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Psychology1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.70.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Physics1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Transportation1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.41.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Sales and Marketing1.4—
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Geography1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.4Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Written Comprehension3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Oral Comprehension3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Expression3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.33.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective Attention3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Category Flexibility3.13.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Clarity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Control Precision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.8
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Perceptual Speed2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Visualization2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Memorization2.62.8
  • Speed of Closure2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Rate Control2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Auditory Attention2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Multilimb Coordination2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number Facility2.42.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Time Sharing2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.31.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Dynamic Strength2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Static Strength2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Stamina2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Explosive Strength1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Response Orientation1.61.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.4—
  • Spatial Orientation1.3—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.1—
  • Night Vision1.1—
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Sound Localization1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.13.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Getting Information3.72.9
  • Working with Computers3.72.9
Show all 41
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Processing Information3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.22.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.12.8
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.02.6
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.92.8
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.92.7
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.62.7
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Thinking Creatively2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.2—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Time Pressure4.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • E-Mail4.7
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.7
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.5
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.4

Technology

10 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
  • Brady Specimen Labeling System
  • Cerner Millennium
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Specimen labeling system software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Histology Technicians
  2. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  3. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  4. Cytogenetic Technologists
  5. Cytotechnologists
  6. Microbiologists
  7. Phlebotomists
  8. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  9. Biological Technicians
  10. Neurodiagnostic Technologists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.