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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Health Professions Programs

Certificate in Histotechnology

The certificate program in histotechnology is a NAACLS accredited 24 credit hour, two semester program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) histotechnian (HT) or histotechnologist (HTL) certification exam. Students graduate with a Certificate in Histotechnology from Indiana University School of Medicine. 

Histotechnology course lectures are provided online and available 24/7. Practicums are completed in the student’s local laboratory with flexible scheduling while completing a well-structured, sequential curriculum.

Designed to provide the health care system with individuals competent to conduct high-quality histologic procedures, the program provides students with the education experiences necessary to enter a career as a histologic technician and sit for the ASCP Board of Certification Histotechnician exam. The curriculum balances technical knowledge and clinical competence gained in the histology laboratory setting. Program faculty assist students in reaching their own professional goals by providing academic and occupational advisement.

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Find the steps to apply for the Histotechnology certificate program.

Prerequisites

  1. Previous degree

    • For HT (ASCP) certification eligibility: 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). If these courses are not included within the degree, they must be taken in addition to the degree.

    • For HTL (ASCP) certification eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The degree must include 30 credit hours of chemistry and biology (combined). If these courses are not included within the degree, they must be taken in addition to the degree.

  2. Laboratory

    • Access to a qualified training laboratory. Students typically are employed at the training site. However, the training site may take non-employed students. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to locate a facility to train in prior to applying to the program. Clinical sites vary based on need of the potential applicant. Please contact the program to check affiliation status or if you are interested in becoming a clinical training site.

  3. Mentor

    • Certified HT or HTL (ASCP) to serve as your mentor.

  4. Meet all other university and program requirements for class selection



Admissions information

Don't have a previous degree? 

Check out the Associate of Science in Histotechnology program!

Year of Graduation Number Enrolled Number Graduated Graduating Rate Attrition Rate ASCP BOC Pass Rate Employment Rate
2020 42 42 100% 0% 85% 100%
2021 43 42 98% 2% 90% 100%
2022 47 47 100% 0% 88% 100%
2023 63 62 98% 0% 88%* 100%
Recent three-year average 51 50.3 98.6% 0.6% 89% 100%

 

*The 2023 ASCP BOC one-year pass rates are incomplete as of the reporting date. Pass rates will be updated at the one-year mark.

  • Perform procedures of basic histologic laboratory techniques, instrumentation and problem solving at the HT entry-level competency.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of general and specific histologic methodology.
  • Perform procedures with accuracy and precision.
  • Monitor internal and external quality assurance measures.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of operational principles of commonly used laboratory instruments to include the ability to perform daily preventative maintenance and correct simple malfunctions.
  • Exercise independent judgment regarding choice of procedure and evaluation of results.
  • Organize tasks to cope with volume of work and unexpected demands.

  • Communicate effectively with Clinical Education Supervisor and Program Director regarding curriculum and training courses.
  • Effectively organize and present information both in written assignments and oral communication.
  • Communicate effectively with other laboratory and health care providers.

  • Display an attitude reflecting pride and professionalism in daily laboratory duties.
  • Demonstrate adaptability, integrity, initiative, neatness, maturity, stability and a desire for excellence.

The IU School of Medicine Histotechnology Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)


Mission Statement:

The National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is committed to being the premier accreditation agency for ensuring the advancement of education in clinical laboratory sciences and related health care disciplines provided by domestic and international programs.


Vision Statement:

Medical laboratories preferentially seek graduates of NAACLS programs to assure quality, value, innovation, and safety for healthcare consumers.
 
Values:

Quality
Education
Innovation
Collaboration
Peer Review
Global Accreditation


Contact Information:

NAACLS  5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720 Rosemont IL  60018-5119; ph: 773.714.8880; fx: 773.714.8886; info@naacls.org

Program Leadership

11336-Wood, Debra

Debra M. Wood, MSED

Program Director, Histotechnology Distance Learning

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