Histology technicians work in laboratories preparing tissue specimens for examination.
Histology technicians work in laboratories preparing tissue specimens for examination to help researchers and physicians make diagnoses and treat patients. A state board may require certification in the field of histology or employers may prefer candidates that have received certification. Becoming certified in histology shows employers that the candidate has the education and skills necessary for the position. The median salary for a histology technician is $46,021 as of November 2009, according to Salary.com.
Education
The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification certifies histology technician candidates that meet the board’s requirements for education and performance on national examinations.
To meet eligibility requirements for certification as a histology technician, the candidate must complete a histology technician educational program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. Candidates can also meet the education requirement with the completion of 60 hours of credit, which includes 12 hours of chemistry and biology and one year of laboratory experience in histopathology. The applicant for certification may also complete an associate’s degree from an accredited institution and one year of laboratory experience to meet the requirements.
Transcripts must be sent to the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board for Certification for approval before sitting for the examination.
Laboratory Experience
Laboratory experience must have been completed within the last 10 years and been under the supervision of a board certified medical scientist. The work must include staining, microtomy, processing and fixation work in histology.
Forms are available with the American Society for Clinical Pathology and must be completed by the laboratory employer for approval from the board.
Examination
Candidates that meet the eligibility requirements will receive an approval to schedule the examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology once the board has approved the application. Pearson Professional Centers administers the examination for histology technician certification. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and will take two hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Maintaining Certification
The certification credential provided by the American Society for Clinical Pathology is valid for three years after the requirements are completed. Certified histology technicians must complete continuing education requirements to maintain certification in the field.
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