Occupations · Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Histotechnologists

Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 29-2011.04

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
Perform tests by following physician instructions.
Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.
Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.
Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.
Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Reading Comprehension3.5

Critical Thinking3.4

Monitoring3.4

Active Learning3.2

Speaking3.2

Active Listening3.2

Writing3.1

Science3.0

Learning Strategies2.8

Mathematics2.4

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

MEDITECH software●Microsoft Access●Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft Outlook●Microsoft Word●Brady Specimen Labeling SystemCerner MillenniumLaboratory information system LISSpecimen labeling system software

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

4 / 5Considerable preparation — a four-year degree plus several years in the field.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions+2.6 above average

Exposed to Disease or Infections+1.8 above average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets+1.8 above average

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions+1.7 above average

Exposed to Contaminants+1.7 above average

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls+1.5 above average

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions−1.3 below average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2024-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Bachelor's Degree43%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)19%

Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)14%

Master's Degree10%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2024-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Investigative6.6

Realistic5.7

Conventional5.2

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

Tasks O*NET flags as emerging

Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes or cryostats.
Select and maintain controls for stains.

O*NET 30.3 emerging tasks

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Judgment and Decision Making3.4

Complex Problem Solving3.2

Operations Monitoring3.2

Time Management3.1

Coordination3.0

Social Perceptiveness2.9

Systems Evaluation2.8

Quality Control Analysis2.8

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

BiologyProduction and ProcessingChemistryCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageAdministrative

Abilities it leans on

Near VisionWritten ComprehensionArm-Hand SteadinessOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten Expression

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

HistologistHistotechnicianHistotechnologistHistology SpecialistHistology TechnologistHistocompatibility TechnologistGrossing Technician (Grossing Tech)Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager)Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager)Mohs Technician (Micrographically Oriented Histographic Surgery Technician)

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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What changed since 2020

Comparing O*NET release 25.1 (2020-11-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning. 1 entries that were only relabelled between releases are left out.

No longer listed 2

−Presentation software−Spreadsheet software

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

HistologistHistotechnicianHistotechnologistHistology SpecialistHistology TechnologistCharge HistotechnologistClinical Laboratory ManagerHistocompatibility TechnologistGrossing Technician (Grossing Tech)Clinical Lab Manager (Clinical Laboratory Manager)Histology Lab Manager (Histology Laboratory Manager)Mohs Technician (Micrographically Oriented Histographic Surgery Technician)

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
cytology screener	3212.1.2	close
biomedical scientist	3212.1	broader

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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