Histotechnology education perspective.

Abstract

Currently in the U.S.A., there are 48 advertised programs to be found through online searches which instruct students in the practice of histotechnology. However, student accessibility to these programs is limited as the programs are found in only 24 (48%) of all states. Texas leads the nation in histotechnology education with 7 programs while Florida hosts 5 programs and Pennsylvania offers 4 programs. Several other states have 2-3 programs and there are 2 programs which are offered exclusively online for the theory portion and remotely for the laboratory experience. Of the 48 programs offered, 35 are associate level histotechnician (HT) only, 8 programs are bachelor level histotechnologist (HTL) only, and 5 more programs appear to offer both HT and HTL certifications. Four of the HTL programs are offered at the master’s level. For many employers, there are no differences between the duties and compensation of HTand HTL-certified personnel. However, in most instances, there are a few advantages in HTL over HT certification which may include increased pay, increased responsibility, more rapid and higher advancement, and possibly a modicum of prestige. There are a few institutions which only hire HTLcertified employees and some locations which only allow HTL-certified personnel to work in immunohistochemistry and special stains areas of the laboratory. Once certified, it is important for the graduate to realize that certification must be maintained. Every three years, an HTor HTLcertified person must obtain a minimum of 36 continuing education credits and submit the renewal application with appropriate fees in order to maintain the certification. Histotechnology educational programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the same body which oversees medical laboratory science programs. NAACLS accredited histotechnology programs are uniformly composed of a didactic theory portion and a hands-on clinical portion. However, exactly how those times are divided and the method of delivery, in large part, are left up to the program administrators. Didactic portions may be delivered in person, online, or a hybrid version of the two. Laboratory experience may be in a tuitionsupported student laboratory, in a tuition-supported clinical laboratory, or in a paid position as a trainee in a clinical laboratory. In order to qualify for registration for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) board of certification exam, an applicant must demonstrate proficiency in tissue fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, and laboratory operations, all of which NAACLS ensures is part of the curriculum when accrediting a program. Particularly in regions of the country without programs, and often even in areas with programs, histotechnology can be taught on the job, and, after a year of full-time experience, a person with adequate college coursework may apply to take the ASCP HT or HTL examination. Passing the certification examination is not particularly easy, however. Although the exact percentages vary from year to year, approximately only 30% of non-NAACLS accredited program examinees pass the registry exam while the pass rate for persons graduating from NAACLS-accredited programs is approximately 80%. When a student is considering applying to different programs, there are several aspects he or she should review. Although the first should be the quality of the program, pragmatic issues such as the cost, location, and length of program are probably more realistic metrics for consideration in persons wishing to enter the workforce as soon as possible and with as little debt as possible. However, if quality comes into question, NAACLS requires that accredited programs post their student outcomes over the past 3 years to include percentage of students graduating who started the program, percentage of students who took and passed the ASCP registry examination within a year of graduation, and percentage of students who found employment in histology or related field after graduation. Higher percentages in those areas argue for higher quality of program. Although not posted on the individual program websites, accredited programs are expected to use student program evaluation forms, clinical site student evaluation forms, and employer evaluation forms as feedback to make changes in program curricula to improve learning outcomes. Certification vs. licensure: One item that varies from state to state is licensure for histotechnology personnel. Some states require licensure while others do not. Furthermore, in some states, licensure is more a matter of formality while in other states, the process is long and arduous, particularly if the student was not JOURNAL OF HISTOTECHNOLOGY 2023, VOL. 46, NO. 3, 97–100 https://doi.org/10.1080/01478885.2023.2236389