HISTOTECHNOLOGY

A histotechnician (HT) is an individual who is trained in the preparation and staining of tissue slides for microscopic examination and disease diagnosis by the pathologist. Histotechnicians may preserve organs for later examination and perform enzyme and immunohistochemistry techniques. Histotechnicians may also assist the pathologist in the preparation of frozen tissue sections which are used to provide rapid diagnosis.

If you are considering a career in histotechnology, some good traits to have are:

• Being a problem solver.
• Having attention to detail.
• Having an interest in science.
• Enjoying challenges and responsibility.

This is a great career path for someone who wants to be a professional in the medical field but would rather work behind the scenes in a laboratory.

A four-year degree is not required to be a histotechnician. Many students find employment with an Associate of Applied Science degree in histotechnology.

If students do pursue a bachelor's degree in a science field, they can be eligible for a higher level of certification once they complete the histotechnologist (HTL) certification exam. This allows them to do more complex techniques in areas such as immunohistochemistry, enzyme histochemistry and electron microscopy.

Those who pursue a master's degree in the field may find careers as a pathologist assistant.

A fast track into the field is available for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. Contact the program director for more information.

Click here to view the program director's presentation about histotechnology.

*Yearly certifiation rate % for those that took the exam within one year of graduation.
**Yearly graduation rate % for those who began 2nd year.
*** Yearly attrition rate % for those who began 2nd year.

• Employment as an entry level practitioner in hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and research facilities
• Transfer to a bachelor degree program
• The national certification examination for HT given by ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathology)
• Possess the skills of current histotechnology practices as entry level practitioners

The outcomes/goals of the histotechnology program will be to:

1. Provide the students with the knowledge and technical skills for career entry into the profession of histotechnology.
2. Prepare students to meet the criteria to sit for the ASCP Board of Registry Examination for Histotechnology.
3. Cultivate personal growth and development through humanities, social science, and communication courses.
4. Develop interpersonal skills and attitudes needed to interact with clients, laboratory staff and other researchers, pathologists, and healthcare professionals.
5. Promote students' awareness of medical ethics and develop their professionalism.