Histotechnology
Within the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with a specialization in Histotechnology (HT). Histotechnologists are responsible for applying proper histological techniques that involve processing, sectioning and staining of tissue specimens that have been removed from humans or animals by biopsy, surgical procedures or autopsy. This specialization prepares you to perform a variety of diagnostic and research procedures in the anatomic sciences. Through hands-on experience, you will learn how to assess real case studies and work with human samples to apply and execute the skills used in clinical practice. You can ultimately earn a clinical internship to complete your education.
Curricular Requirements Degree PlanAdvisingApply
The pre-clinical education consists of 2-4 years of prerequisite and specialized classroom instruction meant to establish competencies in core scientific disciplines. The Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences major requires a cumulative GPA of 2.80 or higher for all specializations. Reviewing the Undergraduate Catalog (see Curricular Requirements) for CDS core curriculum and course grade expectations is required.
Students may apply for specialization standing in Histotechnology after completing the CDS core curriculum as listed in the Undergraduate Catalog, generally at the end of the sophomore year. The junior year consists of the specialization course requirements at Oakland University and the senior year includes the completion of a 12-month internship at an approved hospital based program. The internship includes instruction on advanced techniques such as: muscle enzyme histochemistry, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and immunoenzyme procedures, in situ hybridization, image analysis and medical photography. Techniques in education methodology, management, research, technical writing and presentation of scientific information are also included in the curriculum.
Application to the hospital-based clinical internship is made during the winter semester of the sophomore year. Oakland University is affiliated with the accredited histotechnology clinical program at Beaumont Health System. Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and is based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation. Desirable candidates possess qualities/abilities in communication, computer literacy, leadership, multitasking, problem solving, and critical thinking.
The OU Pledge is our commitment to provide experience-based and hands-on learning through participation in programs, student and professional organizations, research, community engagement and more.
Possibilities include:
- Clinical internship as part of the program of study (acceptance is competitive and not guaranteed)
- Extensive hands-on learning in CDS labs with all labs taught by clinical instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom
- Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Society
- Connection to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and ASCLS-Michigan
- Community Health Engagement and Empowerment Research (CHEER) Lab
- ECLIPSE Leadership Initiative
Job Outlook
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not collect data on histotechnologists specifically, they are included under the broader occupational group of medical and clinical laboratory technologists. BLS reports that jobs in this category are projected to increase 5% from 2022 to 2032.
Average Salary
The salary for histotechnologists varies according to their level and location. According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) 2021 Wage Survey of Clinical Laboratories in the United States, the staff level HTL national mean salary is $61,784.77 per year and $88,679.26 per year at the supervisory level.
- are fascinated by science
- enjoy solving problems
- like challenges and responsibility
- are accurate and reliable
- work well under pressure
- communicate well
- set high standards for yourself
Christina R. Lim, M.S., MLS(ASCP)CMSMCM
Director and Special Instructor
Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences
[email protected]
Academic Advising
3070 Human Health Building
[email protected]
(248) 370-2369
School of Health Sciences
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-2369
[email protected]
Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]
School of Health Sciences
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-2369
Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]