Histologic Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Histologic technology is a specialized field focused on the precise preparation, analysis, and interpretation of biological tissues to support medical diagnosis and scientific research. Professionals in this discipline play a critical role in identifying cellular and structural abnormalities that inform clinical decisions and advance biomedical understanding.
- Medical Chemistry: Explores the chemical processes within the human body, emphasizing the molecular basis of health and disease.
- Histochemistry: Focuses on the chemical composition of tissues using staining techniques to visualize cellular components and metabolic activity.
- Biochemistry: Investigates the chemical reactions and processes occurring within living organisms, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels.
- Anatomy: Studies the structure of the human body, including organ systems and tissue organization, to support accurate diagnostic interpretation.
- Physiology: Examines the normal functions of body systems, providing context for understanding how tissue changes affect overall health.
- Medical Informatics: Integrates data management and information systems into laboratory workflows to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and patient care.
- Applied Mathematics: Applies quantitative methods to analyze biological data, model tissue behavior, and support diagnostic precision.
- Electron Microscopy: Utilizes high-resolution imaging techniques to examine ultrastructural details of cells and tissues at the nanoscale.
- Instrumentation: Covers the operation, maintenance, and calibration of advanced laboratory equipment used in tissue processing and analysis.
- Quality Control Procedures: Implements standardized protocols to ensure consistency, reliability, and compliance in histologic testing and reporting.
- Data Recording and Analysis: Involves systematic documentation and interpretation of histologic findings to support clinical and research outcomes.
- Laboratory Administration: Addresses operational management, workflow optimization, and regulatory compliance within medical laboratories.
- Medical Terminology: Builds proficiency in precise anatomical and pathological language essential for accurate communication across healthcare disciplines.
- Professional Standards and Ethics: Emphasizes integrity, confidentiality, and adherence to ethical guidelines in laboratory practice and patient care.
Histologic Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Histologic Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Histologic Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Histologic Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $178,830 in Arkansas—a 272% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, District of Columbia, and Utah. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 229,720 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Histologic Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Histologic Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Histologic Technology is found at University of North Dakota (UND) (26 graduates), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) (13 graduates), Phoenix College (PC) (12 graduates), Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) (7 graduates), and Carolinas College of Health Sciences (CCHS) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 104 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of North Dakota (UND) |
Other Award
|
26 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Houston, Texas | Public | mdanderson.org |
Phoenix College (PC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | phoenixcollege.edu |
Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | ccbcmd.edu |
Carolinas College of Health Sciences (CCHS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | carolinascollege.edu |
Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
|
5 | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Rochester, Minnesota | Public | rctc.edu |
Alamance Community College (ACC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Graham, North Carolina | Public | alamancecc.edu |
Drexel University |
Master's
|
5 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
Rowan University |
Master's
|
4 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
Harcum College |
Associate's
|
4 | Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania | Private | harcum.edu |
Roosevelt University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | roosevelt.edu |
Lakeland Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Kirtland, Ohio | Public | lakelandcc.edu |
Reading Area Community College (RACC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Reading, Pennsylvania | Public | racc.edu |
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) |
Master's
|
2 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | evms.edu |
Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Histologic Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Histologic Technology degree?
Salaries for Histologic Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $178,830 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 229,720 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Histologic Technology programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Histologic Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of North Dakota (UND) (26 graduates), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) (13 graduates), and Phoenix College (PC) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Histologic Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 78 in 2010 to a peak of 141 in 2020, before declining slightly to 104 in 2023-24. This represents a 33% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Histologic Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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