Also called: Histotech, HTL
Prepares the ultra-thin tissue slices and stains that pathologists use to diagnose disease.
Embeds tissue in wax blocks, slices them thinner than a human hair on a microtome, and stains them pink and purple so cells pop under the microscope. Precise, crafty, quiet lab work.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate (HT) or bachelor's (HTL) plus ASCP certification.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Histotechnology, Biology.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Staining and slide scanning are automated; cutting thin, perfect tissue sections on a microtome remains a hands-on skill.
Classes: Biology, Chemistry, Art or ceramics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2011.
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