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Histotechnologists and Histologic Technicians Go Back to List
Prepare histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist in research studies.
 Tasks
 
  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination using microtomes.
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  • Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
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  • Freeze tissue specimens.
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  • Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
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  • Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
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  • Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.
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  • Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.
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  • Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
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  • Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.
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  • Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.
  •  Skills
     
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  •  Knowledge
     
  • Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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  • Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
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  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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  • Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
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  • Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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     Education & Training
      Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
      Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed 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.
      View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.
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    ONET Resource Center Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
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