Histotechnology (BS)
Madisen Miles
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics
“My experience has been nothing short of fulfilling and thought provoking. The School of Medicine faculty have pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and have allowed me to gain confidence in my abilities when I eventually enter the workforce.”
A histotechnologist is a professional who is qualified through academic and applied science education and training to provide service, research, and management in histotechnology and areas related to anatomic pathology. Histotechnologists are integral to the success of the anatomic pathology department by performing routine and complex procedures to preserve and process tissue specimens, to detect the presence or absence of disease in tissue specimens, and to provide data that aid pathologists in determining the diagnosis, prognosis and best treatment for the patient.
Histotechnologists also perform specialized techniques such as immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and may also be responsible for tissue and autopsy dissection. Using sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology, as well as highly skilled manual techniques, histotechnologists:
- Identify and demonstrate specific tissue components and infectious agents by utilizing staining, immunological, and molecular techniques
- Validate staining results and procedures to ensure accuracy and quality
- Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation
- Develop, evaluate, and implement new protocols, procedures, and technology
- Conduct research related to anatomic pathology
- Perform specialized techniques such as electron microscopy and Mohs
- Advance into management positions
Prospective Students
Interested in pursuing a career in histotechnology? Visit our future students page to learn more, or explore alumni profiles to see what our grads are doing post-graduation!
Careers
For more information on histotechnology as a career, please visit our career opportunities page, or learn more via the National Society for Histotechnology and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.