{"id":9000,"date":"2021-07-21T09:11:23","date_gmt":"2021-07-21T13:11:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=9000"},"modified":"2024-12-17T12:01:30","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T17:01:30","slug":"histotechnician-vs-histotechnologist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/histotechnician-vs-histotechnologist\/","title":{"rendered":"Histotechnologist vs. Histotechnician: What is the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Histology, sometimes referred to as histologic science, is the study of microscopic tissues and cells in plants and animals. Within this field, professionals collect and prepare biological tissue samples that are then analyzed for abnormalities and disease. Histology<\/a> is, therefore, essential to medical science, in that it helps detect and diagnose conditions in living things.<\/p>\n

A profession with impact and meaning, histology is also a popular career path because of the nature of the work. Professionals in this field \u2013 typically Histotechnologists and Histotechnicians \u2013 enjoy hands-on, clinical work that exercises both the scientific and creative parts of their brains. No day is the same for histology technicians and technologists, as each day brings new cases and samples to the laboratory.<\/p>\n

Histology is also a great career choice for those who want to get involved in health science, but do not have years to commit to medical school or a doctorate degree. Becoming a Histotechnician or Histotechnologist, depending on the title you wish to pursue, can take just two to four years.<\/p>\n

The education required to become a Histotechnician or Histotechnologist is one of the key differences between these two career paths. While there is undoubtedly overlap between the two roles, there are also important distinctions in the scope of their work, certifications, and growth opportunities. If you are looking to enter the field of histology, and unsure which career path is right for you, continue reading. Below we break down the similarities and differences between Histotechnologists and Histotechnicians.<\/p>\n

What is a Histotechnician?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A Histotechnician is a clinical laboratory technician that prepares biological tissues for examination. Histotechnicians use specialized equipment to process tissue samples and mount them on slides, so that they can later be evaluated by a pathologist under a microscope. Preparing tissue samples involves various processes like cutting and staining the tissues, in which Histotechnicians are specialized.<\/p>\n

What is a Histotechnologist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A Histotechnologist is a clinical laboratory professional that prepares and tests microscopic tissue samples. Similar to Histotechnicians, Histotechnologists will use processes like mounting and staining to prepare samples for evaluation by a pathologist. However, Histotechnologists have advanced training that enables them to perform testing on samples, as well.<\/p>\n

Histotechnician vs. Histotechnologist: Job Responsibilities<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Both Histotechnologists and Histotechnicians, as noted above, work in the lab preparing tissue and cell samples for evaluation. They share many responsibilities in their day-to-day work, such as:<\/p>\n