Explore the histology lab technician career.
A histology lab technician uses clinical laboratory techniques to examine pathological tissue from animals, plants or humans. Laboratory techniques include freezing, slicing and checking under a microscope. Histology lab technicians require post-high school education and experience in a laboratory. Additional requirements include communication and interpersonal skills when working with fellow medical staff members, clinical patients and health administrators. Work environments include medical schools, health laboratories and government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health.
Instructions
1. Complete a high school diploma with courses in algebra, chemistry and biology. These courses enhance your analytical and research skills. Additional courses include communications and English. Histology laboratory technicians need to speak and listen to health care professionals, so review your verbal skills. English classes help students prepare written health reports and document the results of laboratory tests.
2. Compare histology laboratory technician programs and how much time the program takes to complete. Some programs provide a one-year certificate upon completion, while other programs provide you a two-year associate's degree. Look for information about the types of histology courses, tuition costs and location. Question if graduates of the histology laboratory technician program are eligible to apply for certification. Create a household budget to pay your school tuition or ask about a school payment plan.
3. Enroll in a program recognized by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Learn about the basic courses taken during a histology laboratory technician program. Some histology courses involve physiology, medical terminology and microbiology. A histology laboratory technician program runs 12 to 24 months. The time frame depends on if you are pursuing a certificate or an associate's degree. Additional training includes identify pathological tissues, histologic laboratory techniques and histology technology theories.
4. Register with a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board once you have completed a histology laboratory technician certificate or associate's degree. Employers require this national certification from histology laboratory technicians. Some employers require proof of your passing this certification before offering an employment contract, while others allow you to start employment orientation as you are waiting to pass national certification.
5. Apply for histology laboratory technician positions. Ask the career counselor of your program for tips in finding work after graduation. Prepare a professionally written resume that highlights your education and employment skills. Look for jobs offering a salary and a benefits package such as health insurance and vacation days. Understand the work schedules offered to histology laboratory technicians, since some work environments require 24-hour coverage.
Tags: histology laboratory technician, laboratory technician, histology laboratory, histology laboratory, associate degree, laboratory technician program, laboratory technicians
