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Help patients receive the right diagnosis and care.

Histotechnicians work in medical laboratories to prepare tissue samples to identify diseases in patients. In our program, you'll learn how to use a variety of techniques and laboratory equipment to prepare microscopic slides of tissue that are reviewed by pathologists to determine a patient's diagnosis and treatment plan. During the second year of the program, you will gain hands-on experience in a variety of hospitals or clinical laboratory departments.

Once you graduate, you'll be ready to take the histotechnician certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification and begin your brand new career.


Career Degree

The School of Health Sciences offers the following Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. Maryland refers to the A.A.S. as a career degree, because it's intended to provide you with skills to enter the workforce. 

Histotechnician A.A.S.

In the Histotechnician (A.A.S.) program, students to learn to:

  • Perform routine laboratory procedures for all major areas of the study of tissue samples.
  • Identify tissue structure and staining characteristics.
  • Learn histochemical tissue stains and immunohistochemistry.
  • Learn how to use and maintain histotechnology instrumentation.
  • Apply safety and regulatory principles.
  • Troubleshoot and perform quality control measures.
  • Demonstrate professional and interpersonal communication skills.

In the second year, students rotate through different hospital or clinical laboratory departments to gain hands-on experience. Upon graduation from the Histotechnician program, you will be prepared to take a national credentialing examination.

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Job Outlook

The Histotechnician program prepares individuals for specialized roles in the medical and research fields, focusing on the preparation and analysis of tissue samples. Graduates can work as histotechnologists in hospitals, clinical laboratories or research institutions, where they process, stain and examine tissue samples under a microscope to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer, and assist in research.

In addition to working in pathology labs, histotechnologists can pursue roles in biomedical research, assisting in drug development or studying disease progression. They may also work in veterinary labs, forensic laboratories or pharmaceutical companies, contributing to medical and scientific advancements. With the growing demand for diagnostic services, a degree in this field offers stable job opportunities and the chance to play a crucial role in healthcare and research.

A few of the top skills found in those who pursue a career in histotechnicians include:

  • Health technology
  • Histology
  • Pathology
  • Quality control

Scholarship Opportunities

Paying for college should be simple! Scholarships are available for the histotechnicians of tomorrow.

Learn more about how to apply for grants and scholarships.

Questions?

We're here to help.

Briana Zeck, MS, HTL (ASCP)

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Meet Program Director Briana Zeck

Headshot of Briana Zeck

Interests: Crafting, farming, homemade herbal remedies 

A Little More: Briana Zeck teaches the next generation of histotechnicians, crucial members of the medical laboratory team. In her teaching she embraces AACC’s core value of creativity and innovation.

Learn more about Briana.

 

Health Sciences Applicants