Histotechnology

Histotechnology Programs - Histotechnician Certification

A great job doesn't always require a bachelor's degree! Histotechnicians are medical laboratory technicians who specialize in preparing tissue samples for examination. They use their knowledge of histology to carefully prepare thin slices of bodily tissue, which they then process, stain and mount on slides. These samples are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. Histotechnicians are highly skilled professionals who play an important role in the field of medical science.

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

Histotechnology 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.

For students who already hold a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry. Contact the program director for more information.

Both histotechnicians and histotechnologists play important roles in the laboratory and contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. The main difference between the two is the level of education and training required, as well as the scope of their responsibilities.

Many of our students earn their certification as a histotechnician at Lakeland and move on to bachelor's programs to become a histotechnologist while working in the field!

Histotechnicians are entry-level lab technicians who have completed an accredited training program and have passed an exam to become certified. They work under the supervision of a pathologist or more experienced technologist.

In contrast, histotechnologists are more advanced professionals who have completed a bachelor's degree in histotechnology or a related field, followed by a clinical internship or on-the-job training. They are responsible for more complex tasks such as special staining and immunohistochemistry, and may also train and supervise histotechnicians.

Histotechnology Outcomes & Performance

*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.