Histologic Technicians

Employers

A histologic technician has the opportunity to work in many fields of medicine and science. Most are employed by hospitals or by industrial laboratories that specialize in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or household products. Other employers include medical clinics, universities, government organizations (e.g., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Department of Agriculture, and various state bureaus of investigation), contract research organizations, and biomedical companies. Regional laboratories for large health systems hire employees to work flexible shifts since their laboratories operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. This arrangement could allow a student to attend college classes while working.

Starting Out

You can apply directly to laboratory facilities in your area, contact your local employment office, or visit Web sites such as https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/medical-technician-jobs to search for job listings. The American Society for Clinical Pathology also has a career center for students on its Web site (https://www.ascp.org/careers-fellowships/find-a-job) that is well worth exploring. If you complete a training program, placement assistance is often available to graduates.

The National Society for Histotechnology offers tips on writing a curriculum vitae and mastering job interviews, as well as an overview of careers, at its Web site, http://www.nsh.org.