Histologic Technicians

High School

Biology, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science courses are necessary to develop the preliminary technical skills needed for histotechnology programs. Classes in communication, such as speech and English, are also helpful to build your written and verbal skills.

Postsecondary Training

You can become a histologic technician with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but a college degree or other formal training is becoming more generally recommended.

You can enter the field with an associate's degree from an accredited college or university and participation in supervised, hands-on experience in clinical settings. You may also prepare for the profession through a one- or two-year certificate program at an accredited institution, such as a hospital. These programs combine classroom studies along with clinical and laboratory experience. Visit https://www.nsh.org/learn/histology-schools for a list of schools that offer training in histotechnology.

Typical classes in a histological technician associate's degree program include:

• Histological Techniques
• Histological Techniques Lab
• Medical Law & Ethics for Healthcare Professionals
• Human Histology
• Histology Lab
• Advanced Histological Techniques
• Advanced Histological Techniques Lab
• Immunology
• Histotechnology Practicum

Certification

The National Society for Histotechnology (NSH), in collaboration with the Digital Pathology Association (DPA), offers an online, self-paced digital pathology certificate program "to increase competency and improve knowledge in whole slide imaging and digital pathology." According to the DPA, digital pathology is the use of digital tools—such as digital imaging technologies (e.g. whole-slide imaging), telepathology, and data science methods (e.g., digital image analysis, data mining, advanced artificial intelligence)—to improve the practice of pathology, conduct research, and educate students.

The NSH/DPA program consists of the following learning modules: An Introduction & History of Digital Pathology; Basics of the Technology; Use Cases for Digital Pathology; Selecting and Implementing a Digital Pathology Solution; Workflow Considerations & Best Practice Standards; Image Analysis; and Regulatory Requirements & Validations. Visit https://digitalpathologyassociation.org/digital-pathology-certificate-program for more information.

Other Education or Training

The NSH and DPA offer laboratory webinars and other continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.