Travel histology techs, also called histotechnicians or histotechnologists (depending on their certification level) are experts in biology. Using lab tools and techniques, they help prep tissue samples for pathologists and other experienced healthcare professionals to inspect for abnormalities. They are detail-oriented, patient, and thrive in a lab setting. These travel allied health professionals play a vital role in the identification and diagnosis of diseases, and we’re thrilled to work with them here at Nomad Health.
At Nomad, we want to help histology technicians and technologists find jobs that match their experience, interests, and financial goals. Our histotechnicians and technologists get access to a robust set of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance. In addition, we offer a 401(k) with employer matching after a year, as well as reimbursements for travel, qualifying certifications, and scrubs.
While Nomad is recruiter-free, you’re never alone. Our expert team of Nomad Navigators are here to help you every step of the way, from the application process all the way through on-the-job questions or concerns.
In order to apply for a travel histology lab technician role at Nomad Health, we require you to meet certain educational, certification, and experience qualifications. It’s important to note that each facility or role may have their own set of requirements in addition to these.
Travel histology lab techs are certified through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. There are two histology options: Histotechnician (HT) and Histotechnologist (HTL), the latter being the more advanced of the two. Similar to other allied health professions, there are multiple ways to qualify for these certifications, each requiring different education and lab experience combinations. Make sure to find the path that matches your background. At Nomad, we require you to have either your (HT) or your (HTL), but having an (HTL) may increase your hireability.
According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification, you must meet one of the following criteria to quality for the histotechnician certification exam:
According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification, you must meet one of the following criteria to quality for the histotechnologist certification exam:
A BLS certification is commonly required, and designed for any healthcare professional who may need to perform CPR or other cardiovascular life support. Nomad Health requires applicants to have their BLS.
In addition to meeting the certification requirements, each job listing on our website will have an experience minimum (for example, 12 months experience within the last three years). Applicants must also pass a skills checklist made specifically for histology lab techs.
The National Society for Histotechnology outlines five critical elements to practicing histology in the lab: grossing and fixation, embedding, processing, sectioning, and staining. Successfully and skillfully completing each of these steps is incredibly important to accurately examining each specimen. The following steps vary depending on the sample type, and there’s significant nuance to handling each specimen. Travel lab histotech jobs may require you to be proficient in these techniques.
Tissue specimens are examined, trimmed, and placed in special solutions to keep them from decomposing.
In this step, water is removed from the tissue sample and replaced with paraffin wax.
The tissue sample gets placed in a wax block, providing extra support for when it is sectioned.
In this step, the tissue sample gets mounted onto a microtome, where it is then sliced. The sliced sample is floated on water so it flattens, and then placed on microscope slides.
Different chemicals, dyes, or antibodies are introduced to the tissue samples, causing certain components to change color and aid in possible abnormality identification. Once this step is complete, the sample is ready for a pathologist to take a look at it.
Being able to operate and troubleshoot lab equipment is a crucial part of being a travel histotech. Travel lab histotechnicians and histotechnologists work with a wide variety of tools and equipment. These are just a few examples of the many pieces of equipment they may encounter in their day-to-day work.
As mentioned above, wax is used to strengthen tissue samples before they’re cut. The dispenser stores and heats the liquid paraffin, and dispenses exact amounts.
Tissue samples can be smoothed in water baths for closer and clearer inspection.
As the name suggests, a centrifuge uses centrifugal force to spin and carefully separate tissue samples to make them easier to examine.
Outside of lab equipment protocols, laboratories also have important safety protocols that must be followed at all times. All lab professionals, including travel lab histotechnicians, should be aware of all protocols and procedures.
The National Library of Medicine identifies four different types of tissue that can be stained using histological methods: epithelium, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue. Travel lab histotechs should be educated about each.
Skin and other linings within the body (for example, the lining of the GI tract organs).
Supports tissues and binds them together. Includes bone, blood, and lymph tissues.
Striated muscles that move the skeleton. Includes cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscles.
Tissue that’s made up of nerve cells, and includes the brain and spinal cord.
There are certain skills that help travel histology lab techs thrive. They should be detail-oriented and careful, as the work is meticulous and requires a high level of precision. Strong histotechnicians or histotechnologists thrive in independent settings, since they are working in a lab for long periods of time. They enjoy chemistry, biology, and have a passion for science.
Unlike many patient-facing healthcare and allied health professions, histology technicians and technologists work behind the scenes in a lab setting. The National Society for Histotechnology lists out the following facilities you may work in as a histotechnician or histotechnologist:
Given the wide range of applications, histology techs can have an exciting career full of opportunities, growth, and diverse options.
At Nomad Health, the average travel histology tech earns $2,213 a week, which includes a housing stipend.* There are a number of factors that may influence your take home pay, such as experience, number of certifications, demand, facility rates, and more. On the higher end, a travel histology tech at Nomad can make up to $3,120.* When searching for jobs at nomadhealth.com, you can sort results by pay, so you can find the job that matches your financial goals.
*Based on Nomad Health job data November 27, 2023. Subject to change
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,employment for clinical lab technicians and technologists is expected to grow roughly five percent from 2022 to 2032, making histotechnology an in-demand profession. The overall demand for histology lab technicians and technologists varies across the nation, and is in constant flux. New York, Maine, and Colorado are a few states that have the most open histotech jobs here at Nomad Health.*
*States subject to change. Based on Nomad Health data taken on November 30, 2023.
Absolutely. Not only is trave histology an interesting, dynamic field, it’s incredibly important when it comes to learning about a wide range of diseases. Travel lab histotechs play a vital role in aiding the diagnosis of diseases, and their work may help patients get closer to meaningful treatment.
The experience required for a travel histology lab tech varies from job to job and from facility to facility. At Nomad, you can check the experience requirements on each job listing before you apply.
You can find histotech travel jobs at nomadhealth.com. Once you create an account and build out your Profile, you’ll be able to apply for jobs in as little as one click. Search for jobs based on location, pay rate, shift structure, and more, so you can find the job that best fits your goals.
Most histotech travel job contracts at Nomad Health last for 13 weeks. There may be options to extend your contract, but that is up to each facility.
Yes. One of the exciting parts about exploring travel histotech contracts is choosing where to go. If you’re excited about certain cities or states, you can filter your job search results at Nomad by location.