A histology technician is a healthcare professional who prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination in the laboratory. These samples help physicians diagnose diseases and evaluate patient conditions.

What does a histology technician do? 

Histology technicians prepare and process tissue samples so they can be examined under a microscope. 
 
Typical responsibilities include: 

• Preparing thin slices of human, animal, or plant tissue on slides for analysis by: 
  • Examining, fixing, and processing the tissue for proper sample preservation 
  • Surrounding the tissue with paraffin wax in a process called embedding 
  • Cutting a tissue sample with a microtome or cryostat 
  • Mounting the tissue sample on a slide 
  • Staining or dying the sample to emphasize abnormalities 
• Recognizing factors that affect procedures and quality results, and taking appropriate action when corrections are necessary. 
• Performing preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments. 
• Managing supplies and laboratory quality-control procedures, as needed 

Typical day-in-the-life of a histology technician

A typical day may include processing tissue samples, preparing slides, and working with laboratory equipment. Histology technicians often work in hospital laboratories, research settings, or private labs and spend much of their time performing detailed, hands-on work. Schedules are typically standard business hours but may vary by facility.

What education is required to become a histology technician? 

There are multiple pathways into this field, depending on education and employer requirements. 
 
A typical pathway includes: 

1. Obtain an associate or bachelor's degree*
2. Complete an accredited histology technician certificate program*
3. Take a certification exam offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. Licensure is also required in some states. 

*Some degree programs include a histology clinical rotation in a medical facility that allows you to complete your education and certificate program at the same time. 

How long does it take to become a histology technician? 

The timeline can vary depending on the educational path. 
 
Typical timeline: 

• Education: 1-2 years 
• Clinical training: 1-2 years 
• Total time: Approximately 1-2 years 

What skills are important for a histology technician? 

Histology technicians need precision, technical expertise, and attention to detail to ensure accurate laboratory results. 

Technical skills 

• Operate complex lab equipment 
• Strict adherence to policies and procedures 
• Fine motor skills 
• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology 

Interpersonal skills 

• Detail-oriented 
• Efficient and accurate work 
• Active listening 
• Critical thinking 

Where do histology technicians work? 

Histology technicians work in a variety of laboratory and healthcare settings, including: 

• Hospital laboratories 
• Private laboratories  
• Research laboratories 
• Veterinary laboratories 
• Pharmaceutical laboratories 
• Forensic laboratories 

Histology technician programs at Mayo Clinic 

Mayo Clinic offers a Histology Technician Program as a direct pathway for students to train for a career as a histology technician.

• Program name: Histology Technician Program
• Location: Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota
• Length: 9 months
• Accreditation: Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
• Clinical exposure: Students gain hands-on experience in various laboratory settings at Mayo Clinic 

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