Now that you’ve gotten a solid start into your education or career as a histotechnologist or histotechnician, have you begun to ask yourself, “What’s next?” Congrats on reaching this step! By now, you probably have a great understanding of your field.

Becoming a certified histotechnologist or certified histotechnician is an excellent way to showcase your knowledge, experience, and commitment to this profession. First, let’s review what these specialized lab professionals do.

• Both histotechnologists and histotechnicians do the meticulous and important work of preparing blood and other tissue samples onto microscopic slides. These slides are then used to make medical diagnoses.
• Histotechnologists and histotechnicians play a critical role in the understanding of illness and disease. Their work makes medical research, diagnosis, and treatment possible!

Both histotechnologists and histotechnicians can be referred to as histologists. Let’s learn more about histology certification and explore the two most common certifications: the HT certification for histotechnicians and the HTL certification for histotechnologists.

Why Certification Matters in Histology: Benefits and Advantages

Histology certification demonstrates that you have additional knowledge and skills that set you apart from others in your field. This matters! The benefits of certification will take you and your career far. First, let’s start with a quick review of the similarities and differences of these two laboratory professionals.

Differences Between a Histotechnologist and Histotechnician

Histotechnicians and histotechnologists often perform many similar tasks. However, histotechnologists have more education and training than histotechnicians. Histotechnologists can prepare samples that require more advanced skills and specialized techniques. Additionally, histotechnologists are able to move into educational, administrative, and leadership roles more easily.

Advantages of Being a Certified Histotechnologist or Histotechnician

Whether you are a histotechnologist or histotechnician, certification in your field is a great way to show off your knowledge, skills, and experience. But the benefits of certification don’t end there. Did you know that:

• Certification makes you stand out from other job applicants.
• Certification increases your chances of getting hired for competitive jobs and lucrative locations.
• Certification can often lead to increased pay.
• Certification can lead to leadership, management, and career advancement opportunities.
• Certification may be required for specific histology jobs.
• Your employer may reimburse you for obtaining and maintaining your certification.

General Requirements to Become a Histotechnologist

Are you wondering how to become a histotechnologist? Before becoming certified, you will need to get started in this career path. The following requirements apply to histotechnologists in all 50 states:

General requirements for becoming a histotechnologist that are not state-specific

• Bachelor’s degree in histotechnology.
• Your degree will include classes in chemistry, statistics, microbiology, and clinical experience working with an instructor in a lab.
• Once you have your degree or certificate, you will be ready for entry-level histotechnologist jobs in most states.

General Requirements to Become a Histotechnician

What about how to become a histotechnician? There are a few things to do before becoming certified in this field. These requirements apply to histotechnicians in all 50 states.

General requirements for becoming a histotechnician that are not state-specific

• Associate degree in histology, or
• Certificate in histology
• Your degree or certificate program will include science and microbiology classes, as well as hands-on clinical experience.
• Once you have your degree or certificate, you will be ready for entry-level histotechnician jobs in most states.