Healthcare

How to become a Histotechnician

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–2 years

Typical pay

$50k–$66k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–2 years

   Complete a NAACLS histotechnician program

   One to two years, or a certificate route if you already hold a science associate degree.

2. 2

   during program

   Learn embedding, microtomy and staining

   Cutting tissue thin enough and evenly enough is a hand skill that takes months.

3. 3

   Certify with ASCP

   The HT(ASCP) exam. Histology is a small field where the credential travels well.

   ◆ HT (ASCP)

4. 4

   1–2 years

   Add immunohistochemistry

   IHC and molecular staining are where the shortages — and the pay — are.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Histotechnician

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