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.
Student Outcomes
All student outcome percentages listed below are based upon a three-year average.
- External certification results: 84%
- Graduation rate: 99%
- Placement rate: 100% (i.e., employment positions in the field of study or pursuit of further education)
- Attrition rate: 1%
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.
Student Services
IU Online provides quick and easy access to tools, tips, and IU resources to help you succeed, including:
- Admissions: Personalized application support for the program that is right for you
- Onboarding: An interactive orientation to online learning and all things IU
- Student Financial Services: Tailored resources for financial aid and money management
- Success Coaching: One-on-one support to reach your academic and personal goals
- Math and Writing Support: Direct access to IU-trained math mentors and writing consultants
- Career Services: Interactive tools and coaching to accelerate your career
- Libraries and Research: Online access to IU library resources and research librarians
- Technology: A full suite of software, collaboration tools, cloud storage, and training
- 24/7 Contact Center: Real-time chat, email, and phone support direct from IU