Occupations/29-2011.04
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.
Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.
AI automation risk
68%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
57%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
86%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
- Task
Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- Task
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- 02Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- 03Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- 04Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.
- 05Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.
- 06Perform tests by following physician instructions.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks4.45
- Degree of automation2.81
- Time sitting3.67
- Originality (ability)2.75
- Conflict situations2.76
- Hands-on objects/tools4.81
- Outdoors / weather1.00
- Disease exposure3.67
- Decision freedom3.71
Top abilities
- Near Vision4.00
- Written Comprehension3.75
- Oral Comprehension3.50
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.50
- Written Expression3.38
- Problem Sensitivity3.38
- Oral Expression3.38
- Selective Attention3.25
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.50
- Active Listening3.25
- Writing3.12
- Speaking3.25
- Mathematics2.38
- Science3.00
- Critical Thinking3.38
- Active Learning3.25
- Learning Strategies2.75
- Monitoring3.38
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 70 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $9,600 | 95% | 56% | 1 yr $63,005 2 yr $62,154 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MN · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $9,700 | 71% | 62% | 1 yr $62,409 2 yr $57,318 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $4,900 | 100% | 27% | 1 yr $61,303 2 yr $58,092 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Winona State University Winona, MN · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $10,500 | 77% | 67% | 1 yr $61,218 2 yr $64,791 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $4,700 | 100% | 34% | 1 yr $59,576 2 yr $58,479 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
CUNY Hunter College New York, NY · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $7,400 | 48% | 60% | 1 yr $58,673 2 yr $55,693 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
South Dakota State University Brookings, SD · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $9,600 | 99% | 66% | 1 yr $57,770 2 yr $56,234 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $5,700 | 100% | 35% | 1 yr $55,512 2 yr $52,733 Associate · CIP 51.10 |
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology 26.0401 | $68,200 | 12% | 92% | 1 yr $55,383 2 yr $42,682 Master's · CIP 26.04 |
Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN · Public | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $9,900 | 77% | 58% | 1 yr $54,661 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public | Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology 26.0401 | $11,700 | 31% | 88% | 1 yr $52,107 2 yr — Master's · CIP 26.04 |
Howard University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit | Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002 | $33,200 | 53% | 65% | 1 yr $52,107 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |