Histology technicians prepare slides for pathologists to examine under a microscope. The work can include taking a tissue sample from a biopsy without contaminating it, staining the tissue to highlight features and preparing a slide for viewing. Pathologists then use the slides to identify possible diseases and health problems in patients. According to the Mayo School of Health Sciences, the median 2010 salary for a technician was $47,174. The federal government projects the job market for medical lab technicians will grow faster than average through 2018.
Instructions
1. Study science in high school. The American Society for Clinical Pathology recommends that aspiring histology technicians study biology, chemistry, math and computer science. If that course of study doesn't appeal to you, it's possible that becoming a histotechnician is not the right choice.
2. Attend college and complete a program in histotechnology accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. A college or community college program typically includes courses in histology, tissue fixation, tissue identification, staining and clinical practice. You'll probably need at least an associate degree to get a job.
3. Take a certification test, such as the one offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Certification isn't always necessary, but it is in states that have licensing requirements.
4. Apply to take a licensing exam if your state requires anything beyond certification. As of 2011, only New York requires that histotechnicians take a licensing exam.
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