What does a Histotechnician do?
A histotechnician is a highly-skilled medical professional who works in a laboratory and specializes in preparing biological tissue samples for examination under a microscope. They take samples from patients, slice, label and stain tissue specimens, and mount those specimens onto glass slides. These slides are then studied by a pathologist in order to diagnose various medical conditions and diseases. Histotechnicians must have a strong attention to detail and a good understanding of biology and anatomy. They work closely with other medical professionals, including pathologists, medical laboratory scientists, and physicians, to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment plans are carried out.
Our Histotechnician job description includes the Histotechnician responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Histotechnician Example
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If you need an example job description for a Histotechnician download the one below, alternatively we have many other Healthcare job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.
What does a Histotechnician do?
Histotechnician Job Summary
A Histotechnician is a medical laboratory professional who specialises in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. The Histotechnician works in close consultation with pathologists and other medical personnel to ensure that tissue samples are appropriately processed and that results are accurately reported.
The Histotechnician’s responsibilities include the collection and processing of tissue specimens, the performance of special stains and other lab tests as required, and the analysis and interpretation of results. The Histotechnician must be knowledgeable in the use of laboratory equipment, and be familiar with safety protocols and good laboratory practices.
The Histotechnician must possess excellent manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Histotechnician must also have excellent interpersonal skills, and be able to communicate effectively with pathologists and other medical personnel. A degree in Medical Technology or a related field is preferred for this role.
Histotechnician Role Purpose
The purpose of a Histotechnician is to prepare and process tissue samples for microscopic examination by Pathologists. This involves embedding and cutting the tissue, staining it with dyes and mounting the sections on slides for examination. The Histotechnician also performs quality control procedures and maintains laboratory records.
Histotechnician Role
Histotechnicians prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination, ensuring they are of a high quality. They carry out a range of tasks, from embedding tissue in paraffin wax to staining and mounting slides. They also undertake quality control checks and troubleshoot any technical problems.
Histotechnician Duties
- Prepare tissue specimens, such as biopsies, for microscopic examination
- Analyse, process and embed tissue specimens
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, such as microtomes, cryostats, tissue processors and microscopes
- Assist pathologists in the diagnosis of disease by examining tissue samples
- Produce high-quality slides for examination by pathologists
- Perform quality control checks on slides
- Keep accurate records of work
- Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment
- Dispose of hazardous waste materials safely
Histotechnician Requirements
- A degree in histology or a related field
- Knowledge of histological techniques
- Ability to operate laboratory equipment
- Excellent eye for detail
- Ability to work as part of a team
Histotechnician Skills
- Experience in histological laboratory practices
- Knowledge of relevant laboratory safety procedures
- Ability to follow directions and work independently
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to accurately record data
Histotechnician Personal Traits
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Teamworking skills
- Ability to follow instructions
- Analytical thinking
How to write a Histotechnician Job Advert
Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.
A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.
Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.
How to write a Histotechnician Job Description
To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.
Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Histotechnician Job Specification
The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.
Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Histotechnician Job Specification
When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:
Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.
Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.
Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.
The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.
Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth.
Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources.
Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.
Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.
Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.
How to Hire a Histotechnician
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