For Histotechnology Professionals Day, our Pathology Lab Manager, Noreen gave an overview of what a histotechnologists' responsibilities include while giving a tour of the lab.
Had no idea how many steps you go through to do a biopsy . You are a professional , the way you explain each procedures . I know your employer is proud to have you. Very interesting 🤔 👍
This is much appreciated. I have only just now thought about steps I should take and specific jobs to strive for with a microbiology degree I'm aiming for. This is potentially something I could do to get a better job while working towards my bachelor's! Of the jobs I've been looking at, this looks like one of my favorites. Would you say this job involves a lot of cooperation, or more independent work? I do understand that there is almost certainly communication between different positions, doctors, other staff, etc, but would you say the work itself is pretty independent?
I would say this is a pretty independent job. We do have to communicate with other physicians (even outside ones), but it is not all that often. We do work closely with the pathologist, but otherwise, we do not hear from the practice physicians that often. As for general staff, we have very little communication with them; an exception is the endoscopy staff with which we have a little bit more contact. Now that being said, Histotechs in larger settings are going to have more involvement with other departments and physicians. So, it can really depend on the setting you choose to work in. When I worked in hospitals, I definitely had more contact with other doctors and staff.
We asked our histotechnologist, and this is what she had to say: Pros: Typically, M-F day shift, no weekends or holidays (with the exception of larger hospitals/research facilities that can run 24 hours) Decent pay The job is rewarding if you want to help patients behind the scenes. There is no patient contact. It is a constant learning work environment, especially if you work in a large hospital. You get to see/do a lot of interesting cases (including autopsies). For example, I got to dissect specimens at my previous job (gallbladder, appendix, skin lesions, etc.). Cons: The embedding and microtomy portion of the job is a lot of sitting and repetitive motion. The smells (formalin and xylene) can be a bit much for people and can actually make some ill. There is usually no patient contact, if that is something you desire this job is not for you.
