Histotechnology
Undergraduate Certificate
Histology is the study of the cellular structure and tissue anatomy of plants and animals. Histotechnicians and histotechnologists are members of a laboratory team who employ histologic technology to diagnose diseases, to conduct research, or to instruct others in the science. As a histotechnologist, your tasks will require patience, mechanical ability, and knowledge of biology, immunology, molecular biology, anatomy, and chemistry. You will work with delicate instruments and automated equipment as well as knives, chemicals, and glass slides. You must value precision and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
The IU Online Undergraduate Certificate in Histotechnology is designed for students who are already working in histology labs and want to increase their professional knowledge in all areas of histologic technology.
As a student in the 10-month program, you complete four didactic courses and four practicum courses. Upon successful completion of the program, you are eligible to take the Histotechnician Certification Examination HT(ASCP) administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology's Board of Registry.
Accreditation
This IU School of Medicine program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and is a cooperative effort between the IU School of Medicine and qualifying histology laboratories around the United States. Program requirements meet CLIA regulations requiring 24 credit hours of medical laboratory science education. This is also a Florida Board of Health-approved training program.
Program Outcomes
| Year of Graduation | Graduating % | Attrition % | ASCP BOC Pass Rate % | Employment Rate % |
| 2018 | 100% | 0% | 82% | 100% |
| 2019 | 100% | 0% | 88% | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% | 0% | 85% | 100% |
| 2021 | 98% | 2% | 90% | 100% |
Your IU Online Undergraduate Certificate in Histotechnology prepares you for a career as a histologic technician or histotechnician in such areas as:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Dermatopathology labs
- Urology labs
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Public health facilities
- Industrial research labs
- Veterinary pathology labs
- Marine biology labs
- Forensic pathology labs
Certificate Requirements
To earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Histotechnology, you must complete 24 credit hours.
Applicants must hold an associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The degree must include 12 credit hours of chemistry and biology (combined) with a minimum overall GPA of 2.3 as well as a minimum 2.3 in these courses. If these courses are not included within the degree, they must be taken in addition to the degree.
Applicants must have access to a qualified training laboratory. Laboratory training sites are located nationwide and change based on the student and/or laboratory needs. Students typically are employed at the training site, however, training sites may take non-employed students.
The Laboratory must have a certified HT or HTL (ASCP) to serve as your Mentor.
IU Online provides friendly services and resources to help you succeed.