Histotechnology (B.S.)
SCAN TO VIEW THE CURRICULUM FOR THIS MAJOR
Histotechnology is the study of microscopic sections of biological tissues for the purpose of diagnosing and treating diseases. A histotechnologist works with pathologists to prepare tissue samples for analysis. Special reagents, chemicals, and dyes are used by a histotechnologist to aid in the visualization of both healthy and diseased tissue and cell samples. The job outlook for histotechnologists continues to show growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to increase 5% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual wage for a histotechnologist in Illinois in 2024 was $72,615 (ZipRecruiter). USF’s Histotechnology program prepares students to become certified histotechnologists through a 3+1 program. The first three years of coursework are completed at the University of St. Francis’s Joliet campus. The fourth year is completed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. It is important to note that admission to the University of St. Francis does not guarantee admission to the professional phase of the program. Students apply for the professional phase of the program during the fall semester of their junior year. Graduates who successfully complete the professional phase of the program become eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) histotechnologist (HTL) certification exam.