Histology technician training programs prepare students to enter this growing field.
Histology technicians prepare tissue samples for pathologists to analyze, according to DegreeDirectory.org. These professionals place tissues from humans, animals and plants on microscope slides, and their work involves sectioning, freezing, dehydrating or staining the tissues. Histology technician training programs teach students the medical background and technical skills they need to prosper in this career field.
Degrees
Individuals who are interested in becoming histology technicians typically complete a certificate program that lasts about one year. These types of programs are available for a student to take independently or with another medical field degree. Students also can complete a two-year associate degree in histotechnology or in laboratory technology with a focus on histology technician work. Some of these degree programs focus on genetics, allowing students to find and remove specific DNA molecules from human tissue, according to Education-Portal.com. Other schools offer specialized training in cell biology, which teaches students how animal and plant life vary.
Associate degree programs also prepare students to earn a four-year degree in clinical or medical laboratory science. To get into an associate degree program, students typically need to have their high school diploma or GED. Many histology technician training programs also require that students earned at least a "C" in high school chemistry, algebra and biology.
Certification
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits histology technician training programs. These programs prepare students to pass an examination to become certified as well. The American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Certification awards certification to applicants. Being certified increases a professional's employment opportunities.
Courses
Classes in a histology technician training program cover topics such as microbiology, anatomy/physiology and organic chemistry. Students also might study technical report writing, microscopic anatomy and medical terminology. Programs allow students to practice handling tissue samples in lab classes and to complete clinical practicums in histology along with their classroom work. Other classes in this type of program cover microtomy, cellular biological staining and the chemistry of fixation, according to Phoenix College in Arizona, which offers certificate and associate degree programs in this field.
Prospects
Students who have completed histology technician training programs can find jobs in hospital laboratories, research institutions and industrial laboratories as well as veterinary and medical clinics. Usually they work under the supervision of licensed pathologists. These professionals also can work for public health departments or government agencies, according to Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona.
Projection
The career outlook for histology technicians remains strong, according to Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota. Employment of clinical laboratory workers is projected to increase by 14 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median expected salary for a typical histology technician in late 2009 was $46,021, according to Salary.com.
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