How To Become a Histotechnologist and Histologic Technician

What degree do you need

One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Histotechnologists or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Histotechnologists what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

An entry-level job for Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians usually requires a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences.

How hard is it

You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be a Histotechnologist and Histologic Technician. For example, an electrician must complete three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers. These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Similar careers include hydroelectric production managers, travel agents, electricians, court reporters, and medical assistants.

License and certifications

Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. To be licensed, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists often needs a bachelor’s degree and must pass an exam. However, requirements vary by state and specialty. For specific requirements, contact state departments of health or boards of occupational licensing. Certification of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is required for licensure in some states and by some employers. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians can obtain a general certification as a medical laboratory technologist or technician, respectively, or a certification in a specialty, such as cytotechnology or medical biology. Most credentialing institutions require that technologists complete an accredited education program in order to qualify to sit for an examination. Although certification is not required to enter the occupation in all cases, employers typically prefer to hire certified technologists and technicians.

Skills required

We asked other Histotechnologists if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Histotechnologists are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

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