Histology is one of the most important fields in the health care and biology industries. A skilled graduate of a histology program can find meaningful employment in countless areas of the job market. Numerous colleges and universities offer histology programs, but online histology degree programs are difficult to find. The necessity of lab experience and hands on training in order to understand the field makes internet only courses next to impossible. Certification courses are much more common, and can lead a graduate to employment in the field. But, if certain requirements are met, it is possible to earn an Associate of Science in Histotechnology degree.
In order to enroll in an online histology course, students must meet a number of basic prerequisites. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, as is the completion of basic courses in chemistry, math, and biology. Students must also have a computer that meets the minimum requirements set forth by their selected college, and a reliable high-speed internet connection. Headphones, microphones, and webcams are also generally required due to the teleconferencing nature of online classes. Certain programs, web browser plug-ins, and media players may also be required to enroll in online courses and vary from school to school.
Earning a histology certificate is the simpler option when taking online histology classes. These courses fulfill the requirements for certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, and prepare the student for the exam. Tuition rate are usually very low, and the online style of education affords the ability to learn at the student's convenience. Most programs have a relatively short completion time, and provide instruction in the practice and theories of histology. Earning certification will give graduates the skills to find employment as assistants in a variety of health, research, and clinical institutions.
Earning an Associate of Science in Histotechnology over the internet is more complex, but can ultimately be more rewarding due to the increased job opportunities and salary it provides. These online programs are rare, but several highly respected universities offer them. The program is completed with a combination of online classes and laboratory work. Students must be located near a qualified laboratories or campus in order to enroll. Basic histology courses will be completed via the internet, while the student completes general education requirements at a nearby campus or through a different school. Students will also be required to complete their clinical duties by visiting their associated lab.
While the exact curriculum differs, a student enrolled in an online histology school can expect a number of classes to be covered. General courses that will most likely need to be completed in a campus based atmosphere include sociology, writing, and psychology. Histology specific courses will include human anatomy, medical terminology, and a wide variety of histotechnology classes. Education accrued in the laboratory will teach students how to obtain and store samples, the proper methods of staining specimens for examination, and how to process and store samples. While finding a quality histology school that offers online courses is rare, there are a number of respected universities prepared to supply students with an education that will help them begin a rewarding new career.
