Online Histology Programs: Review & Compare Schools
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HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin NursingNursing Ed.Find the right online histology program and review top schools to jumpstart your career and get certified. This guide explores accredited histology programs, certification pathways, tuition costs, and career opportunities so you can confidently choose the educational path that fits your goals in laboratory science and diagnostic healthcare.
Inside Online Histology Programs
Choosing the right histology program starts with understanding exactly what each school has to offer. Before enrolling, take time to explore the curriculum, compare tuition and fees, review financial aid opportunities, and evaluate the career outcomes for graduates. Here are six key factors to consider when researching programs:
- Whether the program prepares you to become a histotechnician (HT) or histotechnologist (HTL)
- Certification preparation and exam eligibility
- Clinical training and hands-on lab experience
- Program length and scheduling flexibility
- Online, hybrid, or campus-based learning options
- Job placement rates and employer connections
Not sure where to start? Our guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can confidently compare programs and choose the path that best fits your career goals.
What is the difference between a histotechnician and histotechnologist?
Though a histotechnician and a histotechnologist are two different careers, their work overlaps. The two might work in the same laboratory, while doing different jobs in order to get to the final result.
Here is a look at the differences between these two careers.
Histotechnician
The histotechnician is responsible for preparing small samples for viewing under a microscope.
- Roles and responsibilities: These professionals select appropriate samples, dye them with special pigments, and mount them on slides. They ensure the slides are in the proper condition to be sent to higher laboratory personnel for review.
- Academic and certification requirements: This job requires a two-year applied science associate degree, which prepares students to move into the field upon graduation. A clinical program in a hospital setting might also be sufficient. This can lead to the HT certification.
Histotechnologist
The histotechnologist has more in-depth knowledge of how and why such tissues might be viewed.
- Roles and responsibilities: These professionals look for underlying health problems in a patient who might cause variations in samples. They also evaluate newer techniques and processes, and manage new situations or emergencies that might arise in the lab.
- Academic and certification requirements: This job requires a bachelor’s degree, including clinical work, and can lead to the HTL certification. The bachelor’s degree takes about four years of full-time study to complete.
How much does it cost to earn a degree or certificate in histology online?
The costs of tuition and fees for a histology degree can vary widely depending on the type of school, your state residency, and the amount of funding you can secure.
- School type: Community colleges typically cost less than four-year universities, and public schools cost less than private.
- State residency: Some schools charge out-of-state tuition for online programs. Others charge in-state with special tuition for online learners.
- Amount of funding secured: Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce your total tuition.
To provide an idea of what to expect for tuition, we’ve compiled the following:
Histotechnology, AS – Associate of Science
Total Credits: 60
$206.55/credit (in-state and out-of-state)
Bachelor’s in Histotechnology (BS)
Total Credits: 120
$518/credit (in-state and out-of-state)
Barry University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Histotechnology
Total Credits: N/A (one year of study)
$12,900 (Flat fee)
What do you learn in an online histology program?
Though every online program is unique, there are some things that will be universal among histology programs, including the core courses.
These classes are filled with the knowledge and skills those in a histology career will need in order to do their job well.
Those who complete a program in histology can expect to gain the physical and academic skills that will help them throughout their career, including:
- Strong attention to detail
- Dexterity
- Familiarity with laboratory technology
- Patience with prolonged study in a laboratory environment
- Physical ability to repeat fine, careful movements over and over
What’s it like to complete a histology program online?
Many histology programs, especially certificate programs, are designed to be taken entirely online. Coursework is delivered online but clinical hours are completed in person.
Here’s what to expect from an online histology program:
- Online coursework is often delivered via lectures, slides, and video presentations
- Class material is viewed at your own pace, though certain deadlines may need to be met
- Hands-on clinical work on campus is required one or two times per semester
- Majority of clinical work can be completed at an approved site close to your home (potentially at your current job)
Though some hours can be expected, those in the associate degree program can expect less hands-on work than those in the bachelor’s program.
Should my online histology program be accredited?
Accreditation is a vital part of choosing the right school. It proves that a school or program has undergone an in-depth evaluation by an independent body.
Histology programs should have both regional (or institutional) and programmatic accreditation. Regional accreditation is awarded to the school itself.
Programmatic accreditation is given to a specific program or field of study. For histology programs, the accrediting body is the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS).
Benefits of accreditation:
- Quality education: Ensures the school provides quality education and proves the degree is worth something
- Ability to transfer credits: Assures any credits earned at that school are eligible for transfer to other schools
- Eligibility for financial assistance: Qualifies you for financial aid, as schools without accreditation do not qualify for federal aid
- Career preparation: Ensures you can earn HT or HTL certification after graduating
Online Histologic Technology & Technologist Degree Levels
Three main degree options are available for histology programs: the associate degree, the bachelor’s, and the undergraduate certificate. The primary difference between the three include program lengths and opportunities post graduation.
- The associate degree is the minimum requirement for work in the field and will qualify you for the HT certification.
- The bachelor’s degree requires more time than an associate, but will allow you to sit for the HTL certification.
- The certificate requires less time than a bachelor’s, but will allow you to sit for the HTL certification.
Choosing the right degree path depends upon where you want to go with your career. Explore each one below for details.
Online Histology Associate Degrees
Associate degree programs in histology typically take two years to complete and focus on either preparing students to move into the workforce immediately (the associate of applied science) or move into the bachelor’s degree.
Students usually complete one year of general education requirements before jumping into the professional courses and hands-on clinical work.
Classes focus on histology, including introduction to anatomy and physiology, bodily tissues, and laboratory procedures.
Upon completion of the associate degree, students should be prepared to earn HT certification.
Best for … those who want to earn their HT certification and get into the workforce quickly.
| Program Requirements | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
Program Requirements Total Credits: 60 credits | Time to Complete Part-Time Program: 3 – 4 Years |
Program Requirements Other Common Requirements: High school diploma | Time to Complete Full-Time Program: 2 Years |
Online Histology Bachelor’s Degrees
The bachelor’s degree takes four years of full-time study to complete and focuses on both general education and professional-level courses. This degree option prepares histology students for moving into positions that offer opportunities for advancement.
Students take courses in histology basics, including the use of slides and the identification of tissues. Other topics include microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and statistics.
Laboratory work is expected in this program, which can often be completed at an approved facility near the student’s location.
The bachelor’s degree can prepare students for HTL certification. It also lays a good foundation for advancing into management or supervisory roles with experience.
Best for … those who want to earn their HTL certification and pursue supervisory opportunities.
| Program Requirements | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
Program Requirements Total Credits: 120 credits | Time to Complete Part-Time Program: 5 – 6 Years |
Program Requirements Other Common Requirements: Some prerequisites, such as a “C” or better in science, math, or statistics courses. | Time to Complete Full-Time Program: 4 Years |
Online Histology Certificate Programs
Certificate programs in histology may be at the undergraduate or graduate level. Students either need an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in a science or allied health field to enter.
These programs typically last less than one year and provide students with a strong overview of the skills and knowledge necessary to work in histology careers.
Students will dive right into the clinical aspect, learning hands-on, while they also attend virtual lectures.
These certificate programs prepare students to move into laboratory work upon graduation.
Best for … those who have earned an associate or bachelor’s degree in an allied health field and want to move into histology careers.
| Program Requirements | Time to Complete |
|---|---|
Program Requirements Total Credits: 24 credits | Time to Complete Part-Time Program: 18 months |
Program Requirements Other Common Requirements: bachelor’s degree | Time to Complete Full-Time Program: 9-12 months |
Paying for Your Online Histology Program
Though the bottom line of tuition and fees might come as a shock, it’s important to remember there are many methods of funding that help make that bottom line more manageable. Finding the proper funding before enrolling in a program is important so your education isn’t hindered by a lack of funds.
Here are a few of the financial assistance options that exist for histology students.
Scholarships
Scholarships specifically for histology students are available through many professional organizations, including those that focus on pathology, histology, medical laboratory work, and the like. Other scholarships can be found on dedicated scholarship websites, where a quick search for “histology” or “pathology” can yield many results. Learn more about scholarship opportunities on our scholarships page, including EduMed’s scholarship for undergraduate students.
Grants
Just like scholarships, grants don’t have to be paid back. The most common is the Pell Grant, which is awarded by the federal government to most students who are attending an accredited institution. To obtain grants, students must first fill out the FAFSA, since many grants are based on need.
Loans
Though loans are often not the first choice for paying for school, they are sometimes inevitable. The good news is that many loans offer deferred payments or no interest until graduation, which bodes well for those who live in an area where jobs in the field are abundant.
Work Study
Four-year colleges and universities often offer work study programs, which are meant to help students pay their way through school by taking on campus jobs or jobs related to their field. In addition to being a financial boon for some, work study programs can also help students build valuable experience while in school.
Other Financial Aid
Other forms of financial aid might be available, such as grants from schools and work study programs. The only way to know what a student qualifies for is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student aid, or FAFSA. This important document will calculate how much a student is expected to pay out of pocket as well as provide information to schools about the student’s financial needs.
Learn how to apply for the FAFSA and explore all of your financial aid options in our student financial aid guide.
Taking the Next Step: What You Can Do with Your Histology Education
Understanding the industry as a whole, seeing where histology careers are trending, and having a firm grasp of the career landscape before entering the program are all important components in helping you take the next step. However, other key questions should also be considered.
Do I need certification to work as a histotechnician or histotechnologist?
In order to work as a histotechnician or histotechnologist, you are encouraged to have certification, though it is not an absolute requirement.
This is because most laboratories require certification for their histology employees.
Benefits of certification:
- Helps to ensure you can find a job upon graduation
- Improves your chances of higher pay
- Increases the probability of job security
The work that someone chooses to do in the field might also help determine their choice to become certified. For instance, according to the ASCP’s 2024 Vacancy Survey, about 64% of core laboratory staff and nearly 74% of supervisors were certified. In immunology departments, roughly 58% of staff and more than 75% of supervisors held certification credentials.
Histology certifications come from the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC). Both the HT and HTL certification require higher education from an accredited institution. Here’s more on what’s required:
HT Certification
The certification to become a histotechnician can open doors to work in laboratories that focus on a variety of tissue analysis.
Paths to HT Certification
- Option B: (1) Complete at least 60 semester hours of credit from an accredited university (or hold an associate degree). At least 12 hours must be in biology and chemistry. (2) Have at least one year of full-time experience in a histopathology lab.
- Option A: Successfully complete an accredited histology program within five years of the date of application for the certification.
HTL Certification
The certification for a histotechnologist offers better options for advancement in the laboratory, including supervisory positions.
Paths to HTL Certification
- Option A: Complete a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours of biology and chemistry as well as completing an accredited program within the past five years.
- Option B: (1) Complete a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 semester hours of biology and chemistry. (2) Have at least one year of full-time experience in a histopathology lab.
If certification is not required, why bother?
There’s good reason, and it all comes down to career trajectory and the financial bottom line.
The ASCP’s 2024 Vacancy Survey also found that certification requirements vary widely by department. In core laboratories, 58.1% of respondents said certification was required for hiring, while only 55% of immunology departments required certification for new employees. Overall, the survey suggests that while certification is not always mandatory, it remains common among both laboratory staff and supervisors.
This data suggests that those who have certification are more likely to move up the workplace ladder.
What does a histology career path look like?
As a prospective histology degree earner, you have several potential jobs on the horizon. Of course, this is largely dependent upon the certification and degree you pursue.
HT certification, open to those with an associate degree, is the first step. Choosing to pursue the bachelor’s degree will open up many more doors in the field.
Here are just a few examples of what’s available to you should you earn a degree in histology.
How much can you make with a career in histology?
According to the ASCP’s 2023 Wage Survey, published in 2024, histotechnicians (HTs) earned a national average hourly wage of $31.10. Wages varied by employer type and location, with professionals working in physician office laboratories and larger academic hospitals typically earning the highest pay rates.
But as with most positions in the health field, salary is dependent upon three things: level of education, certification, and experience.
Where a person lives and where they work can also affect their income. For example, one facility might pay more than another, even though they are in the same geographic area.
The following table shows the spectrum of salaries, based on education, experience, and role, for histotechnician and histotechnologist professions:
Average Annual Wages of Histotechnicians and Histotechnologists
| Staff-Level | Lead/Coordinator | Supervisor | Manager | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Histotechnician | Staff-Level $54,237.82 | Lead/Coordinator $59,813.44 | Supervisor $75,914.36 | Manager $81,731.67 |
Histotechnologist | Staff-Level $56,369.69 | Lead/Coordinator $61,608.41 | Supervisor $70,809.66 | Manager – |
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Additional Resources & Related Degrees
Earning the degree isn’t the end of the journey. Throughout their career, a graduate might need additional resources to help with pertinent topics, changing rules in the field, and networking with other professionals.
In addition, graduates might decide to pursue other degrees in similar fields to fulfill changing responsibilities.
Read on for the must-have resources and an introduction to additional degrees someone might choose on their journey into the medical and allied health field.
Resources for Histotechnician & Histotechnologist Students & Professionals
From choosing a degree program to taking courses to finding a job in the field, it is always important to know where to find the most pertinent information.
Whether you are just starting your search for a degree program or moving into professional learning and networking, these resources can help.
- National Society for Histology
This organization offers insights, advice, education, resources, and events for members at all stages of their career in the field. - National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS)
This accrediting agency is a great place to begin when looking for the best accredited programs. - Association of Public Health Laboratories
This organization works to strengthen laboratories across the U.S. and abroad through strong member development. - Histology Guide
This virtual histology laboratory is a great introductory site for those with an interest in histology and how the slides are processed and presented. - American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
The ASCP is available to those who want to expand their career horizons in the field. - The Internet Pathological Laboratory
Offered by the University of Utah, this resource offers a wealth of information, quizzes, and resources for aspiring histology professionals. - Meyer’s Histology
This virtual classroom provides information on all points of histology, supplemented with lectures by professionals and professors. - Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Related Degrees
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A phlebotomist works in a laboratory, doctor’s office, hospital, or other healthcare setting to draw blood and other fluids for assessment. This certification program can take as little as four months and is designed for those who want to get right into the workforce upon graduation.
Cross-training in a variety of other areas related to phlebotomy, such as blood banking and histotechnology, can help graduates find better job security and higher pay.
Online Medical Lab Technician Programs
In most cases, medical lab technicians need an associate degree. This program takes about two years to complete. Students learn clinical procedures, medical equipment operation, lab testing, biochemistry, equipment maintenance, and more.
The focus of the program will change some of the courses a student takes. For instance, those focusing on surgical tech will take courses in pharmacology, while that may not be required for an x-ray tech major.
These programs aim to get students into the workforce as soon as they graduate.
