Occupation AtlasHistology Technicians
O*NET · 29-2012.01
Histology Technicians
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Also called Certified Histologic Tech · Certified Histologic Technician (Certified Histologic Tech) · Clinical Histology Tech · Clinical Histology Technician (Clinical Histology Tech) · Histologic Aide · Histologic Technician (HT) · Histologist · Histology Assistant
10 more
Histology Consultant · Histology Coordinator · Histology Lab Assistant · Histology Lab Assistant (Histology Laboratory Assistant) · Histology Laboratory Aide · Histology Technician (HT) · Histotechnician · HT · Mohs Tech · Mohs Technician (Mohs Tech)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Cytotechnologists
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
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
RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic6.29
- I Investigative5.37
- C Conventional5.03
- S Social2.12
- A Artistic1.26
- E Enterprising1.00
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.
- Related work experience
- None (20%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (28%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (28%)
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.
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- SciencebasicImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
Show the other 23
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Service OrientationImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- PersuasionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- NegotiationImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- RepairingImportance 1.3Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.Importance 5.0
- Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.Importance 5.0
- Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.Importance 5.0
- Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.Importance 4.9
- Freeze tissue specimens.Importance 4.2
- Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.Importance 4.1
- Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.Importance 4.1
- Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.Importance 4.1
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- BiologyImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- ChemistryImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- English LanguageImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- MathematicsImportance 2.6Level 2.6
Show all 33
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- MechanicalImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.3Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.3Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.2Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Information OrderingImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.3Level 2.8
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.3Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.3Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Rate ControlImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Time SharingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Getting InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Processing InformationImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.4Level —
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
10 toolsSoftware 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.
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.
Cytotechnologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Repairing +0.7, Instructing +0.6
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Aircraft Service Attendants
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.7, Repairing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Repairing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Log Graders and Scalers
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.3, Mathematics +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Food Science Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.8, Instructing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Animal Breeders
Average difference 0.3 points · Equipment Maintenance −0.8, Equipment Selection −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Forest and Conservation Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.1, Repairing +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
Average difference 0.3 points · Science −1.5, Quality Control Analysis +1.2
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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.
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.