Histotechnology

Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Histotechnology provides comprehensive training in the preparation and examination of tissue specimens. The histotechnology program combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience in student laboratory and student lab settings, along with clinical practicums. Students learn to prepare tissue samples through fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining.
 
The HT program curriculum covers essential histology disciplines including routine tissue processing, special staining techniques, immunohistochemical methods, and quality assurance laboratory procedures. Students gain proficiency in identifying tissue and cell structures. Clinical rotations at affiliated sites provide real-world experience to prepare students to enter the field of histotechnology with confidence.

Program Mission

The Histotechnology program offers an Associate of Science Degree designed to facilitate the development of ethical, competent, entry level Histotechnicians. The program emphasizes general histology disciplines, professional behaviors and technical skills training and life-long learning. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and are eligible to be licensed by the State of Florida to practice Histology.

Program Goals

The Histotechnology program will prepare students to:

1. Acquire the knowledge and skills required of entry level histotechnicians.
2. Develop effective verbal and written communication skills.
3. Gain problem solving skills through the application of critical thinking.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ongoing professional development.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on Training – the program includes extensive student lab time where students practice tissue preparation techniques, microtomy skills, and staining procedures under program faculty supervision. These laboratory procedures mirror those used in professional histology laboratory settings.
• Clinical Experience – the clinical practicums provide practical experience in professional histology laboratory settings, allowing students to apply learned techniques and develop workplace competencies. Clinical experiences take place at partner facilities where students work alongside experienced histotechnicians.
• The program emphasizes general histology disciplines, professional behaviors and technical skills training and life-long learning.
• Students successfully participate in a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for national certification exams and professional practice.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Histotechnology Career

• Tissue processing and embedding techniques
• Microtomy and sectioning procedures requiring fine motor skills
• Routine and special staining methods
• Immunohistochemical staining protocols
• Laboratory safety procedures
• Quality control protocols
• Equipment calibration and maintenance
• Regulatory compliance standards
• Proper handling of tissue samples and fluid samples

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus learning options, experienced program faculty led by a dedicated program director, and comprehensive student support services, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all educational levels.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 19 months and 67 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $980.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Annual health insurance plan — $2,169.00 where applicable to allied health programs, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Graduates of Keiser University’s histotechnology program enter the workforce as entry-level histotechnicians prepared to work in hospital laboratories, private diagnostic facilities, research institutions, histotechnology centers, and veterinary pathology centers where they may process animal tissue samples. Upon successful completion of the program and national certification exams, graduates become eligible for licensure as histologic technicians and can pursue advanced placement opportunities in specialized areas like molecular pathology or molecular biology research.

Career Pathways in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

• Histology laboratory technician
• Clinical laboratory technician
• Surgical pathology technician
• Hospital histology department staff
• Dermatopathology laboratory
• Research laboratory histotechnician
• Veterinary pathology technician processing animal tissue samples

• Molecular pathology assistant
• Quality control specialist
• Medical laboratory scientist (with bachelor’s degree or baccalaureate degree)
• Pharmaceutical research technician
• Biotechnology laboratory technician
• Forensic pathology assistant

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AS Histotechnology.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

While Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s histotechnology program prepares you for a rewarding career in clinical laboratory sciences. With NAACLS accreditation, experienced program faculty led by a knowledgeable program director, and comprehensive hands-on training in essential functions, our applied science degree program provides the education needed to become a competent histologic technician. Whether your goal involves working in hospital laboratories, research facilities, histotechnology centers, or specialized diagnostic centers, Keiser provides the technical training and professional preparation needed to make a lasting impact in health professions.