Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York Career Overview

As a Histology Laboratory Supervisor, you play a vital role in the healthcare sector, overseeing the processes related to the preparation and examination of tissue samples. Your responsibilities encompass a range of managerial and technical tasks that ensure the highest standards of laboratory operations.

  • Quality Control and Assurance: You are responsible for implementing and maintaining quality control protocols, ensuring that all histological analyses meet regulatory guidelines and industry standards.

  • Team Leadership: You supervise a team of histotechnologists and laboratory technicians, providing guidance and support to enhance their professional development while ensuring operational efficiency.

  • Workflow Management: You coordinate the daily activities of the laboratory, prioritizing workloads and streamlining processes to optimize the use of resources and enhance productivity.

  • Collaboration with Medical Staff: Your role requires you to collaborate closely with pathologists and other medical professionals, facilitating effective communication regarding sample analysis and results interpretation.

  • Equipment Oversight: You oversee the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment, ensuring reliability and accuracy in the testing processes.

  • Compliance and Safety: You ensure that all laboratory activities adhere to safety regulations and ethical standards, fostering a safe environment for personnel and compliance with relevant laws.

  • Data Management: You may also be involved in managing laboratory data systems, overseeing the documentation of results and maintaining accurate records for future reference and audits.

In this position, your expertise directly contributes to accurate diagnosis and patient care, underscoring the essential function of histology within the broader field of pathology. Your leadership not only enhances the technical capabilities of the laboratory but also reinforces the importance of precision and reliability in medical testing.

Histology Laboratory Supervisor Salary in New York

Annual Median: $80,910
Hourly Median: $38.9

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York

To pursue a career as a Histology Laboratory Supervisor, you must meet certain educational qualifications and undergo specific training. Here are the relevant college degree programs:

  • Histologic Technician: An associate degree in this field prepares you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for histology work, focusing on the preparation and examination of tissue samples.

  • Histologic Technology: A more advanced program, typically at the bachelor’s level, encompasses comprehensive training in histological techniques, laboratory management, and quality control essential for supervisory roles.

  • Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences: A degree in this area provides a strong understanding of cellular structures and functions, which is important for overseeing histology processes and advancements in the field.

  • Clinical Laboratory Science: This program equips you with the knowledge needed for various laboratory practices, including histology, while focusing on overall clinical laboratory operations and management principles.

  • Medical Technology: This bachelor’s degree encompassing medical technology covers a broader spectrum of laboratory sciences, equipping you with skills that can be applied in histology alongside other clinical laboratory technologies.

  • Biology Biotechnology Technology: A degree here offers insights into the biological sciences and biotechnology, enhancing your ability to manage a histology lab that may incorporate advanced biotechnological methods and techniques.

In addition to your degree, obtaining certification, such as from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), may be required to validate your expertise and enhance your qualifications for supervisory roles in histology laboratories.

Best Schools to become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York 2024

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL

In-State Tuition:$2,393
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,494
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:43%
Total Enrollment:14,323

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

In-State Tuition:$8,091
Out-of-State Tuition:$19,956
Admission Rate:86%
Graduation Rate:48%
Total Enrollment:22,676

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

In-State Tuition:$10,656
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,990
Admission Rate:86%
Graduation Rate:72%
Total Enrollment:41,155

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR

In-State Tuition:$7,068
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,586
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:3,240

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO

In-State Tuition:$49,800
Out-of-State Tuition:$49,800
Admission Rate:85%
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:15,755

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

In-State Tuition:$9,237
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,856
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:63%
Total Enrollment:13,876
Histology Laboratory Supervisor Job Description:
  • Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples.
  • Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists.
  • May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.

Histology Laboratory Supervisor Required Skills and Competencies in New York

  • Technical Proficiency: You must possess a deep understanding of histological techniques such as tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Familiarity with advanced imaging techniques and molecular pathology is also beneficial.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in histology; you need to ensure all processes, from sample preparation to microscopic analysis, are executed with accuracy to avoid misinterpretations.

  • Analytical Skills: You should be able to critically analyze histological samples and results, assessing their quality and providing clear conclusions based on your findings.

  • Leadership Abilities: As a supervisor, effective management of laboratory staff and fostering a collaborative environment is essential. You should be able to motivate, train, and guide your team to enhance performance.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You will frequently face unexpected challenges. Being able to troubleshoot issues with techniques or equipment and develop effective solutions is key.

  • Organizational Skills: Managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously is required. You should have the ability to prioritize work efficiently and ensure timely completion of testing and reporting.

  • Communication Skills: Clear communication with team members, pathologists, and other healthcare providers is essential. You need to convey complex information in an understandable manner while also documenting procedures and results accurately.

  • Quality Control and Assurance: Understanding and implementing quality control measures to maintain laboratory standards is important. You should be thorough in adhering to regulatory requirements and protocols.

  • Knowledge of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS): Familiarity with laboratory information systems for tracking specimens, managing data, and reporting results will enhance efficiency in your role.

  • Continuous Learning: Staying informed of advancements in histology techniques and technologies, as well as regulatory changes, will support your growth and the laboratory’s success.

Job Duties for Histology Laboratory Supervisors

  • Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.

  • Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.

  • Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.

Technologies Used by Histology Laboratory Supervisors

Label making software

  • Brady Specimen Labeling System
  • Specimen labeling system software

Medical software

  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • MEDITECH software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Job Market and Opportunities for Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York

The job market for Histology Laboratory Supervisors in New York reflects a strong demand driven by the growing need for diagnostic and research services in healthcare and academic institutions. Here are some key points regarding the current landscape:

  • Demand for Histology Services: The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the aging population significantly contribute to the rise in diagnostic testing. As a result, histology services are in high demand, leading to more opportunities for supervisors who can manage and improve laboratory operations.

  • Growth Potential: The healthcare industry is projected to experience continued growth over the next decade, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicating a positive outlook for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. This trend is likely to extend to supervisory roles in histology, as advancement in technologies and methodologies increases the complexity and volume of work handled by laboratories.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Several areas in New York are particularly notable for their demand for Histology Laboratory Supervisors:

    • New York City: As a major healthcare hub, NYC offers numerous hospitals, academic medical centers, and research institutions that require skilled laboratory supervisors.
    • Long Island: The healthcare sector continues to expand in regions like Nassau and Suffolk counties, further creating supervisory positions in histology laboratories.
    • Buffalo and Rochester: These cities are home to several healthcare systems that prioritize laboratory services, contributing to job openings for supervisory roles.
    • Albany: The capital region has seen growth in biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies, increasing the need for histology services and therefore supervisors.
  • Network and Advancement Opportunities: Professional organizations and associations in New York provide platforms for networking, conferences, and continued education, helping you to stay connected with industry trends while finding new opportunities. Engaging with these organizations can facilitate career advancement and open doors to leadership roles within larger laboratory settings.

To navigate this evolving job market effectively, focus on building a robust network, staying informed about industry advancements, and considering diverse work environments such as hospitals, research laboratories, and educational institutions.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York

  • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

    • Website: www.ascp.org
    • Description: ASCP offers resources for education, certification, and practice guidelines in laboratory medicine, including histology.
  • National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)

    • Website: www.nsh.org
    • Description: NSH provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and certification information specifically for histotechnology professionals.
  • American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)

    • Website: www.ascls.org
    • Description: ASCLS promotes the profession of clinical laboratory science through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities.
  • College of American Pathologists (CAP)

    • Website: www.cap.org
    • Description: CAP offers accreditation, proficiency testing, and resources for laboratory management and pathology practices.
  • Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)

    • Website: www.clma.org
    • Description: CLMA provides resources and training specific to laboratory management, helping supervisors stay updated on best practices.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)

    • Website: www.nih.gov
    • Description: The NIH offers research publications and educational resources that can enhance your understanding of histopathology and laboratory practices.
  • Laboratory Accreditation Programs

    • Description: Look into programs such as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (TJC) and ISO 15189 for standards in laboratory accreditation.
    • Websites: TJC | ISO 15189
  • Histotechnology: A Self-Assessment and Review

    • Available at: Amazon
    • Description: This book serves as a comprehensive study guide for histotechnologists preparing for certification exams.
  • Your Local Library or University Library

    • Description: Utilize your local or university library to access textbooks, journals, and reference materials that provide in-depth coverage of histology and laboratory management.
  • Webinars and Online Training Programs

    • Platforms like NSH and ASCP frequently host educational webinars and training modules that can help you stay current in the field.

By exploring these resources, you will enhance your knowledge and skills, leading to greater proficiency in your role as a Histology Laboratory Supervisor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?
    To become a Histology Laboratory Supervisor, you generally need a bachelor's degree in biology, medical technology, or a related field. Additionally, certification from a recognized body, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), is often required. Experience in histology and supervisory roles is also preferred.

  • What skills are essential for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?
    Key skills include attention to detail, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills. You should also possess proficiency in laboratory techniques, quality control measures, and familiarity with laboratory information systems.

  • What does a typical workday look like for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?
    A typical day may involve overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring protocols are followed, managing staff, reviewing histological slides, conducting quality assurance checks, and coordinating with pathologists to discuss findings. Administrative duties such as budget management and compliance with safety regulations are also part of the role.

  • Where can I find job opportunities as a Histology Laboratory Supervisor?
    Job opportunities can be found in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutions, and academic medical centers. Online job boards, professional networks, and hospital career pages are excellent resources for finding openings.

  • What is the average salary for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York?
    The average salary for a Histology Laboratory Supervisor in New York can vary widely based on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. Typically, the range is between $75,000 and $100,000 per year, with some experienced supervisors earning more.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
    Yes, there are opportunities for advancement in the field of histology. With additional experience and training, you may progress to higher management positions, such as laboratory director, or specialize further within histopathology or quality assurance.

  • What continuing education options are available for Histology Laboratory Supervisors?
    Continuing education can include workshops, conferences, and specialized training programs focused on new histological techniques, technology advancements, and laboratory management practices. Many certification boards require continuing education for certification renewal.

  • What are the main challenges faced in this role?
    Challenges may include maintaining accuracy and efficiency in a high-volume lab, managing team dynamics, keeping up with rapid technological changes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

  • How does the role of a Histology Laboratory Supervisor differ from that of a histotechnologist?
    A histotechnologist primarily focuses on performing the technical aspects of histology, such as preparing tissue samples, while a Histology Laboratory Supervisor oversees the entire laboratory operation, manages staff, and ensures quality control and compliance with protocols.

  • What is the job outlook for Histology Laboratory Supervisors?
    The job outlook for Histology Laboratory Supervisors is positive, with a steady demand for skilled professionals in healthcare settings. As the population ages and the need for diagnostic services increases, job opportunities are expected to grow.