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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