What You'll Do

  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
  • Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
  • Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  • Perform tests by following physician instructions.

Essential Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.5/5
Critical Thinking 3.38/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.38/5
Active Listening 3.25/5
Speaking 3.25/5
Active Learning 3.25/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.25/5
Operations Monitoring 3.25/5
Writing 3.12/5
Time Management 3.12/5
Science 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Integrity, Cooperation, Adaptability/Flexibility

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 4.0/5
Written Comprehension 3.75/5
Oral Comprehension 3.5/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.5/5
Oral Expression 3.38/5
Written Expression 3.38/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.38/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Brady Specimen Labeling System Cerner Millennium Laboratory information system LIS MEDITECH software Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Presentation software Specimen labeling system software Spreadsheet software

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.8/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.62/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.52/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.29/5)
  • Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 4.05/5)

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How to Become One

Most employers require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Some positions may also require experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level work to strengthen your candidacy.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager) Histocompatibility Technologist Histologist Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager) Histology Specialist Histology Technologist Histotechnician Histotechnologist Mohs Technician (Micrographically Oriented Histographic Surgery Technician)