HISTOPATHOLOGISTS (SPECIALIST MEDICAL PROFESSIONS) California Occupational Guide Number 2002-D (part) Interest Area: Emerging Occupations 1995
THE JOB 
Histopathologists study the human tissue for signs of disease. They use the help of a Histologic Technician who prepares the microscopic sections of tissue for examination. The technicians freeze and cut samples, mount them on slides, and stain them with dye so that the cells in the tissue stand out when viewed through a microscope. Histopathologists examine the chemical composition of the tissue looking for abnormalities. If there is an abnormality, the appropriate treatment must be determined to combat the disease conditions of the tissue. Many times Histopathologists examine tissue that has just been sliced off a growth of a patient during surgery. They must determine immediately if the growth is malignant or not and report back to the waiting surgeon, and the surgery continues accordingly. Histopathologists may examine tissues taken from autopsies to help determine the cause of death. They also examine preserved organs which will later be used in transplant surgery.
COMPENSATION
No wage data are available for this occupation.
REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-- Gather, interpret, use, and report data scientifically
-- Make decisions based on measurable, verifiable information
-- Interact with other health professionals
Training/Requirements
-- Bachelor of Science
-- Master's and/or Ph.D./MD.. in pathology
-- Certification from the Board of Registry of the American Society
of Clinical Pathologists
OCCUPATIONAL CODES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., Rev. 1) 041.061-054 OES (Occupational Employment Survey) System 243110
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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