Histology Technician (Lab Assistant)

What does a Histology Technician do?

The Histology Technician prepares biopsy or tissue specimens for examination by Pathologists (or Medical Doctors of the Laboratory). The steps involve: examining and recording the physical description of small specimens, operating specialized lab equipment, and using sharp-bladed instruments to slice paraffin (wax) embedded tissue blocks into thin sections that are mounted on glass slides for review. Through work, the Histology Technician provides critical information that is used to inform diagnostic and treatment decisions.

An understanding of anatomy and cell structure is critical in making the appropriate technical decisions for processing. The Histology Technician must be able to properly prepare tissues, handle delicate samples, and operate sharp instruments competently.

Success in this career requires courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, immunology, and chemistry.

Minimum education and experience

• The Histology Technician needs clinical education in a Histology Technician (HT) Program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or an associate degree from a community college and training at a hospital.
• Applicants with an Associate degree may be eligible for the twelve (12)-month Histology Technician Certification.
• The Histology Technician must be licensed (by passing a licensing exam) in order to practice in a laboratory licensed by the New York State Department of Health.

Days/hours

The lab is a 24-hour, 7-day week operation; Day, evening, weekend, and overnight hours may be required.

Position locations

• Hospital Lab
• Bailey Road Lab

Work environment

This position works in a laboratory setting and requires manual dexterity due to the nature of the process. The Histology Technician works on a team; each one completing a step of the manual process of preparing the specimens.

May require periods of sitting and standing.

Pay range

$29.76 – $41.68 Hourly

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Possible career pathway

An example of a pathway within this job family at the University of Rochester:

Histology Technician > Lead Histology Technician > Laboratory Supervisor > Laboratory Management/Administration

Professional organizations

• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• National Society for Histotechnology
• New York State Histology Society

Meet a Histology Technician

• URMC Lab webpage
• National Society for Histotechnology

Become a Histology Technician

• SUNY Cobleskill
• BROOME Community College (online)
• New York State Office of the Professions