What Is the Meaning of a Histologist?
Histologists are scientists who study the microscopic structure of tissue in the body. These scientists play an important role in detecting diseases in people, plants and animals, as well as conducting research. Histologists work in hospitals and laboratories around the world, researching diseases and helping detect and diagnose illnesses.
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What Is Histology?
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Histology is a biological science that studies the tissue structure of humans, animals and plants. The four main tissues that histologists analyze are epithelial, muscular, connective and nervous tissue. They study everything from body organs down to the molecular components within cells, according to the Career Profile on the Schools in the USA website. Histologists look for signs of bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms in order to detect and diagnose disease.
How to Become a Histologist
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To become an entry-level histologist, candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life science such as biology or chemistry. While working toward a degree, students should take courses in biology, chemistry, microbiology and statistics. They should also take courses that will prepare them for work in clinical laboratories, according to the Diploma Guide website. You can also become a successful histologist with on-the-job training and at least an associate's degree, though you will not have the opportunity to work as independently as those with bachelor's degrees. While working toward a degree, students should obtain certification with a professional association such as the American Medical Technologist or the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
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Duties of a Histologist
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An average day for a histologist can include examining organs and organ systems through observation and dissection, comparing the tissue structure of different species and conducting research, according to the Schools in the USA website. Histologists can work full-time in laboratories, conducting research and traveling to science conferences to present their work and results. These scientists can also be employed by universities, where they can both teach classes and conduct research.
Histology Skills and Specialization
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To be a successful histologist, you need to have an interest in the makeup of the human body, as well as in plant and animal structures. Histologists should be curious and patient, with strong attention to detail and good observation skills. They must have the ability to analyze data and consolidate large amounts of information, according to the Schools in the USA website.
Histologists have the opportunity to specialize in many different areas of science. Some histologists focus on genetics, where they can study single DNA molecules and determine tissue abnormality and death, according to the Schools in the USA website. Another specialization is to study embryology. This area focuses on the development of animals and humans through birth or plants through germination.
Histologist Career Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the Diploma Guide website, the demand for histologists in the workforce will increase by 14 percent between 2006 and 2016. Hospitals are likely to remain the major employer of histologists, but jobs will continue to increase in medical diagnostic laboratories. According to the Schools in the USA website, histologists can expect to earn an average entry-level salary of $31,250 in 2010. The average salary of an established histologist in 2010 was $51,020.
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References
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