Histologic Technician : Employment Outlook

Salaries and Wages: Certified Histologic Technicians in California are among the highest paid in the country with an average hourly wage of $15/hr, ranging from $12-23/hr. Annual salaries in the private sector range from $28,000 to $40,000 depending on the staff position and type of technical experience. Salary, hourly wage and bonuses will depend on number of years experience in the field, specialty, location and other factors.

Benefits Offered : Histologic Technicians often receive the following benefits: medical insurance, business cards, dental insurance, paid parking, professional dues (paid membership in histotechnology societies), incentive programs for continuing education opportunities, pension plans and long-term disability insurance. Vacation periods depend on the employer. All benefits will vary, depending on the employer. Other benefits may also be available.

Supply and Demands Assessment: According to the American Society of Clinical Pathologists the vacancy rates for histologic technicians (HT) and histotechnologists (HTL) are growing throughout the United States including the Western States.

Career Advancement Opportunities: There are many career advancement opportunities for histologic technicians. Many larger employers offer the opportunity to be promoted to positions of greater responsibility and salary (Lead Histologic Technician, Histology Supervisor, Department Manager). Incentive programs allow histology technicians to earn Baccalaureate Degrees for advancement to the histologic technologist level providing further opportunities for advancement.

Technical and Personal Characteristics Needed: The following skills are useful to histologic technicians and would be helpful to students starting the program:

Oral and Written Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Computer Skills

Ability to Work as Part of a Team

Common Sense

Attention to Detail

Positive Attitude

Professional Demeanor

Histologic Technicians prepare thin sections of human, animal and plant tissue for microscopic examination. The Mt. SAC histologic technician training program is intended to prepare students for entry level employment as histologic technicians in clinical, veterinary and research laboratories. It also serves as a pathway for career advancement and specialized areas in the histotechnology profession. The program stresses practical application and the development of job skills as well as histotechnology theory. The program is designed to enhance the ability of students to reason, understand and

apply correct principles of histotechnology by teaching analytical and critical thinking skills as opposed to rote learning. Graduates of the program will enter internship training, then will be eligible for certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Students wishing a Bachelor's Degree (transfer program) should consult with a Mt. SAC educational Advisor to discuss transferability of courses.