Histologic Technician: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Prepared to support diagnostic pathology and biomedical research, this program equips students with the technical expertise needed to handle tissue specimens with precision and care. Under the guidance of licensed histotechnologists and clinical laboratory professionals, graduates perform essential laboratory tasks critical to medical diagnosis and scientific advancement.

• Fixation: Learn methods to preserve tissue structure and cellular integrity immediately after collection, ensuring accurate analysis.
• Dehydration: Master the process of removing water from tissue samples using graded alcohol solutions to prepare them for embedding.
• Embedding: Gain hands-on experience in infiltrating tissues with paraffin wax or other media to create stable blocks for sectioning.
• Sectioning: Develop proficiency in using microtomes to cut ultra-thin tissue slices for microscopic examination.
• Decalcification: Understand techniques to soften bone tissue for sectioning, enabling detailed study of calcified structures.
• Microincineration: Study controlled methods for tissue destruction when necessary, particularly in specialized research or safety protocols.
• Mounting: Learn how to place tissue sections onto glass slides and secure them with mounting media for long-term preservation.
• Routine and Special Staining: Acquire skills in applying standard and specialized dyes to highlight specific cellular components and enhance diagnostic clarity.
• Laboratory Mathematics: Apply quantitative principles to dilutions, reagent preparation, and quality control calculations.
• Laboratory Procedures and Safety: Follow standardized protocols and safety practices to maintain a secure, compliant, and efficient lab environment.
• Instrumentation and Microscopy: Become adept with advanced lab equipment, including microscopes, tissue processors, and automated staining systems.
• Computer Applications: Utilize digital tools for recordkeeping, image management, and integration with laboratory information systems.
• Preparation of Museum Specimens: Explore techniques for preserving and displaying anatomical specimens for educational and archival purposes.
• Recording and Administrative Procedures: Maintain accurate documentation and manage workflow within clinical or research laboratory settings.