Histology Technicians
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
The work happens in a laboratory: cutting tissue with a microtome, embedding specimens in paraffin, mounting them on glass slides, and staining them so cell details show up under a microscope. The same person may freeze samples, run computerized processors that dehydrate or decalcify tissue, and keep slides and wax blocks archived. Microtomes, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths need regular upkeep. Some of the work supports research studies. It suits people who like precise, repetitive bench work and careful record-keeping more than patient contact.
Typical education: Associate’s Degree (2-year)
What you might do
- Cut thin tissue slices on a microtome
- Embed specimens in paraffin wax blocks
- Mount tissue sections onto glass slides
- Stain slides so cell structures show clearly
- Run processors that dehydrate or decalcify samples
- File finished slides and wax blocks
Skills that matter
- Taking direction before freezing a specimen
- Judging section quality at the microtome
- Reading settings on processors and stainers
- Logging archived slides and paraffin blocks
- Working through mounting and stain problems
- Updating the lab on prepared tissue slides
AI & the future of this role
Cutting, staining, and mounting tissue still depend on careful manual technique that robots have not broadly replaced. Imaging tools may streamline later review, but slide quality and lab workflow reliability continue to rest on technician skill.
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