Histotechnologist
Prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination to help diagnose diseases like cancer through precise laboratory techniques.
| Median Salary | $65,000-$114,000 per year |
| Job Growth (10yr) | +9%Excellent |
| Education | Associate Degree |
| Time to Start | 1-2 years |
Work Settings
- •Hospital pathology laboratories
- •Independent reference laboratories
- •Academic medical centers
- •Research institutions
- •Biotechnology companies
- •Pharmaceutical companies
- •Forensic laboratories
- •Mohs surgery clinics
- •Government health facilities
Primary Duties
- •Process tissue specimens through fixation, dehydration, and clearing using automated processors
- •Embed processed tissues in paraffin wax blocks with proper orientation for sectioning
- •Cut ultra-thin tissue sections (2-5 micrometers) using microtomes with precision and consistency
- •Perform routine H&E staining and specialized staining procedures to highlight cellular structures
- •Conduct complex immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures using antibodies for disease diagnosis
- •Execute urgent frozen sections during surgery to provide rapid intraoperative diagnoses
- •Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment including microtomes, tissue processors, and stainers
- •Implement quality control measures and document all procedures for regulatory compliance
How to Become Histotechnologist
Complete prerequisite education
Earn an associate degree (2 years) for HT pathway or bachelor's degree (4 years) for HTL pathway from NAACLS-accredited program, including clinical practicum
Duration: 48 months
Gain clinical experience
Complete mandatory clinical practicum during your program, typically requiring 16+ hours per week in a real histopathology laboratory
Duration: 24 months
Prepare for certification exam
Study for the 100-question ASCP certification exam, submit application and documentation, and schedule your test
Duration: 3 months
Obtain ASCP certification
Pass the HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) certification exam to meet employer requirements and industry standards
Duration: 24 months
Secure employment
Apply for positions in hospitals, reference labs, or research facilities; many employers extend conditional offers pending certification
Duration: 3 months
Complete state licensure (if required)
Apply for state license in states like Florida, Nevada, or New York that require separate licensure beyond national certification
Duration: 2 months
Continuing Education
You must maintain your ASCP certification every three years through the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP), which requires accumulating continuing education points through professional development activities. This ensures you stay current with advancements in histology techniques, new staining protocols, emerging technologies like digital pathology, and evolving regulatory standards. Many employers support continuing education through conference attendance, workshops, and online courses.
Certifications & Licenses
- •HT(ASCP) - Histotechnician certification (required by most employers)
- •HTL(ASCP) - Histotechnologist certification (required for advanced roles)
- •QIHC(ASCP) - Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (optional specialization)
- •State licensure (required in Florida, Nevada, New York, and other states)
Citations
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - Histotechnician Certification ↗
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - Histotechnologist Certification ↗
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) ↗
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians ↗
- National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) ↗
- ASCP Vacancy Survey of U.S. Medical Laboratories ↗
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