What is a histology lab technician?

What is a histology lab technician?

Histology technicians (HTs), also known as histologic technicians, are specialized medical lab workers. They play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by turning tissue samples into microscope slides. Histology is the study of microscopic structures of tissues.

What is the difference between cytotechnologist and Histotechnologist?

Cytotechnology is the microscopic study of cells which have been shed, scraped, or aspirated from body tissues. A cytotechnology is a highly skilled laboratory professional. Histotechnology is another medical laboratory specialty that is important in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

Is a Histotechnologist a scientist?

Histotechnologists play a fundamental role in the allied health profession. Histotechnicians (HTs) and histotechnologists (HTLs) are members of a laboratory team who employ histologic technology to diagnose diseases, conduct research, or instruct others in the science.

What degree do you need to be a histology technician?

Histotechnologists must either have a bachelor’s degree in an approved major (e.g. biology, chemistry) and one year of experience in a histopathology lab or complete a formal histotechnology educational program. They also must pass a national exam. There are three paths to becoming a histologic technician.

Is histology and Pathology the same?

The National Cancer Institute defines histopathology as “the study of diseased cells and tissues using a microscope.”1 Histology is the study of tissues, and pathology is the study of disease.

How do you become a certified histology technician?

In order to become certified as a histotechnologist, you must complete the formal certification process outlined by the BOC, which requires education, clinical training and experience, and successful completion of the certification examination for Technicians, Technologists, Specialists, and Diplomates in Laboratory …

What is a cytology technician?

A cytology technician is a type of laboratory technician who takes human and animal cell samples, as well as aids a cytotechnologist in examining them for abnormalities that could lead to illness or cancer. Technicians usually work in a medical or laboratory environment.

What do you need to be a cytology technician?

Usually, you need either a high school diploma with some on-the-job training or some formal education (certificate or associate’s degree) to qualify as a cytology technician. In high school, take classes such as biology, math, chemistry and laboratory procedures.

Are Histotechnicians in demand?

Job Outlook for Histotechnologists and Histotechnicians According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, a category that includes histology, is set to grow 7 percent between 2019 and 2029.

Where does a histology technician work?

A Histologic Technician prepares tissue specimens for routine and special procedures to confirm a patient diagnosis. They work in hospital laboratories, government agencies, public health departments, and other institutions.

Is Histotechnology a good career?

If you’re curious and you’d like a hands-on job that impacts people’s lives but isn’t working directly with patients and clinicians, histotechnology can be really rewarding. There are a lot of diverse opportunities within the field.

Can you be a Histotech without a degree?

The HTL requires a bachelor’s degree and either graduating from an accredited histology program or on the job training. Certification is not required to work in histology but in the highly competitive market it is strongly encouraged.

How do I become a histology technician?

Histology technicians typically enter the field by completing either a two-year associate degree or a one-year certificate program in conjunction with an existing associate or bachelor’s degree.

How do I become a histopathology technician?

To become a histopathology technician requires completing a one- to two-year accredited program, along with an additional year interning in a medical laboratory. Because these positions require a high degree of day-to-day manual dexterity, prospective job candidates should also enjoy physical work and demonstrate a meticulous attention to detail.

What does a histotech do?

Histotechnology is a scientific technology that is used to find medical information that lies within tissue structure. Without Histotechnology, pathologists and doctors would be unable to accurately identify and diagnose many medical problems. Histotechnology professionals cut tissues and prepare them for examination under a microscope.

What can I do with an associate degree in histology?

Histology is the study of cellular structure and tissue anatomy in plants and animals. If you want to work in this field, an associate’s degree in histologic technology will qualify you to work as a histologic technician, or histotechnician. Many community as well as junior colleges offer Associate of Applied Science degrees in histology or Associate of Science degrees in histology technology.