Occupations/29-2012.01
Histology Technicians
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Usually a certificate, vocational program, or associate degree — not a bachelor’s.
AI automation risk
77%
Higher automation risk
Human characteristics
44%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
88%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
- Task
Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- Task
Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
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
- 01Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.
- 02Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.
- 03Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.
- 04Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.
- 05Freeze tissue specimens.
- 06Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks4.33
- Degree of automation3.04
- Time sitting3.96
- Originality (ability)2.00
- Conflict situations2.56
- Hands-on objects/tools4.68
- Outdoors / weather1.17
- Disease exposure3.56
- Decision freedom3.64
Top abilities
- Near Vision4.00
- Finger Dexterity3.75
- Oral Comprehension3.62
- Deductive Reasoning3.50
- Arm-Hand Steadiness3.50
- Written Comprehension3.38
- Problem Sensitivity3.38
- Information Ordering3.38
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.38
- Active Listening3.50
- Writing3.00
- Speaking3.12
- Mathematics2.00
- Science3.12
- Critical Thinking3.50
- Active Learning2.88
- Learning Strategies2.38
- Monitoring3.25
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
12 of 56 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emory University Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit | Clinical/Medical Laboratory Assistant 51.0802 | $60,800 | 11% | 91% | 1 yr $167,572 2 yr $162,817 Master's · CIP 51.08 |
Boston University Boston, MA · Private nonprofit | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $65,200 | 14% | 89% | 1 yr $68,499 2 yr $52,107 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $10,700 | 70% | 76% | 1 yr $68,219 2 yr $70,456 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $12,600 | 48% | 84% | 1 yr $64,791 2 yr $63,355 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
University of Kansas Lawrence, KS · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $11,400 | 88% | 67% | 1 yr $63,501 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
St Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $9,600 | 95% | 56% | 1 yr $63,005 2 yr $62,154 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MN · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $9,700 | 71% | 62% | 1 yr $62,409 2 yr $57,318 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $4,900 | 100% | 27% | 1 yr $61,303 2 yr $58,092 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Winona State University Winona, MN · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $10,500 | 77% | 67% | 1 yr $61,218 2 yr $64,791 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $4,700 | 100% | 34% | 1 yr $59,576 2 yr $58,479 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
CUNY Hunter College New York, NY · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $7,400 | 48% | 60% | 1 yr $58,673 2 yr $55,693 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public | Blood Bank Technology Specialist 51.1001 | $11,700 | 31% | 88% | 1 yr $58,221 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 51.10 |