As a histotechnician, you will play a vital role in the world of healthcare by preparing and examining tissue samples under the supervision of pathologists.
These samples, taken from patients during biopsies and surgeries, help doctors diagnose and treat various diseases and conditions.
Best Histotechnician Colleges
To become a histotechnician, you must complete a specialized education program that combines classroom learning with hands-on training in a clinical laboratory setting.
Through this program, you will thoroughly understand anatomy, physiology, and pathology and the technical skills necessary to perform various laboratory procedures.
With a growing demand for qualified histotechnicians in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, a career in this field offers many personal and professional growth opportunities.
Top 20 Histotechnician Schools
Picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life. When you choose a school with high prospects, you’ll perform excellently in your chosen field.
That’s because you’ll be equipped with top-notch education and skills. As you keep reading this article, we’ll highlight the top 20 histotechnician schools in the U.S.
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Drexel University
Drexel is a large private, not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. The school is a dream come true for every student interested in pursuing a histologic technology or histotechnology degree.
You’ll receive quality classroom instruction from well-trained teachers. After your studies, you’ll serve excellently in simple and complex settings.
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Phoenix College
Phoenix College is a medium-sized public college located in the city of Phoenix. The school can provide an outstanding education to become the best in histotechnology.
The school offers bachelor’s degrees in the field, and students will qualify for the professional exams after school. If that’s what you want, consider attending this school.
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University of Mississippi
You’ll appreciate attending this school, as it’s one of the best in the country. They offer various degrees in histologic technology/histotechnology.
You can enroll in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs in the field, depending on your current level of education. Students are equipped to function excellently in their chosen fields.
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Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
The Histology Technician Program at Mayo Clinic offers one of the nation’s best histology technician training options.
Your training will walk you through various techniques and artistry within nine months. You’ll learn how to embed, cut, stain, and prepare a tissue sample for review under a microscope.
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Indiana University
Indiana University is an excellent place to study histotechnology. Students will gain the education experiences necessary to enter a career as a histologic technician.
The school offers an online associate of science in histotechnology. As a histotechnologist, you’ll cover topics like biology, immunology, molecular biology, anatomy, and chemistry.
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Merrit College
The histotechnician program at Merrit College provides on-campus and on-site technical training. This focuses on routine tissue sample preparation, special stains, and techniques.
As part of their formal training, histotechnology students will work through study guides provided by the ASCP for its certification examination.
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University of North Dakota
Do you want to acquire the skills to make critical decisions in a patient’s diagnosis? Then, consider enrolling in a histotechnology program at this school.
You’ll learn the skills and knowledge in a vital medical field with on-site professional training for specimen preparation or medical diagnosis.
It takes only two intensive semesters to complete your studies at this university.
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Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University offers the Histology Technician Certification Program through various departments.
These include the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Public Health, & Nutrition Science. Students will complete 37 hours of sophomore-level courses offered by the above-listed departments.
These courses will comprise the certification portion of the degree plan. Upon completing the 60-hour program, students will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS).
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Mt. San Antonio College
Mt. San Antonio College is a public community college that offers more than 400 degree and certificate programs.
There are also 36 support programs, more than 50 student clubs, and athletic courses for students to explore. If your interest lies in histotechnology, you’ll find this school ideal for your needs.
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Aurora Health Care
ACL offers excellent education to those interested in the histotechnology program. They offer a 12-month, full-time course in Wisconsin and Rosemont.
This program will provide students with academic and practical experience in histology. Student experience combines textbook work, classroom time, and hands-on experience in one of our labs.
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Houston Community College
Come to this school if you want outstanding studies in histotechnology. You’ll learn more about the marketable skills valued by employers.
This will enable you to work in a variety of settings. Moreover, you’ll explore real-time labor market data on occupation and more. Available degrees are associates of applied sciences.
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American University of Antigua
AUA offers its medical students the unique opportunity to obtain their medical degrees with a concentration in global health.
Students can also apply for histotechnology programs and become certified technicians upon graduation. You only need to visit or contact the school via their official line.
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United Medical Institute
UMI is an excellent histotechnic school in the country. The institution has an unwavering commitment to providing high-quality hybrid distance education in medical ultrasound.
They focus on preparing students for a successful career in diagnostic medical sonography and related jobs in healthcare.
UMI prioritizes excellence in focused training and education. Their top-notch programs and hands-on experience are intended to set you on a path to success.
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Florida State College at Jacksonville
The histologic technology degree at this school is designed to train and educate students to become competent, ethical, confident, entry-level clinical laboratory professionals.
Students will go through extensive classroom and online learning.
The program focuses on comprehension and mastery with clinical skill development to prepare graduates to become histotechnologists and histologic technicians. We mean those integral in preparing tissue specimens for the microscopic disease diagnosis.
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West Virginia University
West Virginia University can provide you with an outstanding education. The school has a unique faculty staff, and students embody a culture of collaboration and community in the classrooms and clinics.
Moreover, the school includes health experience in the curriculum. This makes many graduates choose to make West Virginia their home and practice in the specialized field of rural medicine.
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Cobleskills
Coble Skills is an excellent place to complete a histotechnician program.
The relevant authorities fully accredit their courses. Students will receive instruction from highly professional faculty members, including those with national certification in histotechnology.
Moreover, you’ll be equipped with hands-on experience during the required clinical rotation in an affiliated hospital.
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The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
The University of Texas is among the top schools where you can complete your histotechnology program.
Their courses prepare students for a challenging and exciting career as a histologic technologist. It takes an average of two years to finish their classes.
This baccalaureate program includes lectures, demonstrations, and rotations through various hospital histopathology laboratories.
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St. Philip’s College
Consider enrolling in your histotechnology program at Philp’s College.
The school serves the community through its programs and services that help students succeed in acquiring the knowledge and skills needed in today’s world.
Students will have access to quality academic programs and career and technical courses that prepare them for future success in-demand careers.
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Keiser University
Keiser University offers a superb Associate of Science degree in histotechnology. This program prepares students to work as histotechnicians in various anatomic pathology laboratory settings.
Moreover, the course is designed to develop technical and intellectual skills. Individuals will also develop a commitment to quality patient care, a passion for the profession, and continued growth.
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The Beaumont School of Histotechnologists
The Beaumont School of Histotechnologists is an excellent place to complete your studies. Their programs prepare students for an exciting career in histology.
You’ll be equipped with technical skills and scientific knowledge to perform various tissue-related procedures in multiple laboratories. If that’s what you want, enroll in one of their programs.
There are many histotechnology schools in the country. The ones listed above are just a few.
However, they rank top in the U.S. You can pick anyone who meets your career goals and enroll in your undergraduate or certificate program.
Education & Certification Requirements for Histotechnicians
Becoming a histotechnician requires a combination of education and certification, which can vary depending on your career goals and the specific requirements of your employer.
One of the most common paths to becoming a histotechnician is to earn an associate’s degree in histotechnology or a related field from a community college or technical school.
These programs typically take two years to complete, including coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pathology and hands-on training in laboratory techniques such as tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning.
In addition to formal education, most histotechnicians must obtain certification through a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).
These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills and are often required for employment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
To qualify for certification, you must pass an exam covering laboratory safety, quality control, and tissue preparation techniques.
Histotechnician Program Curriculum
The curriculum of a histotechnician program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the scientific principles and technical skills needed to prepare and examine tissue samples in a clinical laboratory setting.
These programs typically last two years and culminate in an associate’s degree in histotechnology or a related field.
Coursework in a histotechnician program typically includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology, which provide a foundational understanding of the structure and function of the human body and the nature of the disease.
Students may also take chemistry, biology, and microbiology classes to build a broad scientific knowledge base.
In addition to classroom learning, histotechnician programs include hands-on training in laboratory techniques such as tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning.
These skills are essential for preparing tissue samples for examination under a microscope, which is the primary role of a histotechnician.
Students may also have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a clinical laboratory setting, working alongside experienced professionals to learn how to apply their knowledge in a real-world environment.
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Career Outlook
The career outlook for histotechnicians is positive, with solid job growth and high demand for qualified professionals in hospitals, clinics, and research facilities.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of histotechnicians is expected to grow by 14% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by an aging population and advances in medical technology, which have increased the need for tissue analysis and diagnostic testing.
As a histotechnician, you will prepare and examine tissue samples under a pathologist’s supervision, using various laboratory techniques such as tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning.
Your work will help doctors and other medical professionals diagnose and treat various diseases and conditions, making it a practical and fulfilling career choice.
In terms of salary, histotechnicians can expect to earn a competitive wage, with the median annual salary for this occupation being $50,630 as of May 2019.
Factors such as education, certification, location, and years of experience can all impact your earning potential, with those with advanced degrees or specialized skills often commanding higher salaries.
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Program Duration
Histotechnician programs typically take two years to complete, resulting in an associate’s degree in histotechnology or a related field.
These programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools and may be available full-time or part-time, depending on the institution and your schedule.
In addition to classroom learning, histotechnician programs include hands-on training in a clinical laboratory setting. Students can gain practical experience applying their knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.
The duration of this practical training can vary depending on the program and the institution’s specific requirements.
The duration of a histotechnician program is typically two years.
However, completing the program in a shorter or longer period may be possible depending on your circumstances and the program’s specific requirements.
Types of Histotechnician Programs
Several types of histotechnician programs are available, depending on your career goals and the specific requirements of your employer. Here are a few options to consider:
Associate’s degree in histotechnology: This is the most common type of histotechnician program, resulting in an associate’s degree after two years of study.
These programs typically include anatomy, physiology, and pathology coursework and hands-on training in laboratory techniques such as tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning.
Certification programs in histotechnology: Some institutions offer shorter certificate programs, which can be completed in one year or less.
These programs may be a good option for those with a degree in a related field or who want to gain specialized skills in histotechnology.
Bachelor’s degree in histotechnology: While less common, some institutions offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs that provide a more in-depth education.
These programs may be a good option for those interested in pursuing advanced studies or wanting to qualify for higher-level positions within the healthcare industry.
The type of histotechnician program you choose will depend on your career goals and the specific requirements of your employer.
You can select the right program for you by considering your needs and interests.
As a histotechnician, you will play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, providing valuable insights and information that help doctors and other medical professionals make informed decisions about patient care.
Your work will directly impact patient outcomes, making it a practical and fulfilling career choice.
By completing a histotechnician program and earning certification through a reputable organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, you will have the knowledge and skills to succeed in this dynamic field.
Whether you are just starting your career or looking to take your skills to the next level, a histotechnician program can open the door to endless opportunities and a bright medical career.