The Labcorp Histology
Education Program | Tampa

Labcorp employees can enroll in a unique hands-on program to gain the
skills needed to become a certified, licensed histologist.

Impact Lives with a global leader in clinical laboratory testing.

Eligible Labcorp employees of our Tampa laboratory can apply to join our free 12-month NAACLS-accredited Histology program to become a certified histotechnician or histotechnologist. Graduates from our program will be eligible to take either the HT or HTL national certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and subsequently obtain state licensure.

If you aren't part of our Labcorp Tampa team yet and are interested in a career in the scientific field, we invite you to explore our open career opportunities.

Learn more about our internal program below and how you can make an impact in the field of laboratory medicine.

Receive hands-on instruction.

Our Histology program offers one-on-one instruction as you work with our team of laboratory professionals in Tampa. We focus on critical thinking and problem-solving as you grow your technical and intellectual skills. Beyond learning the theory and practice of histology, you will:

Work alongside and learn from our employees and trainers who have experience in hospital laboratories, small for-profit labs, autopsy medicine, teaching hospitals and research institutions
Learn how to manage your time and produce quality specimen preparations in a fast-paced diagnostic laboratory setting to help pathologists deliver quick and accurate results to clients
Get key exposure to an array of histological techniques, such as routine paraffin processing and frozen direct immunofluorescence (DIF) processing, embedding, microtomy, special and enzyme histochemistry and immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Our vision is to inspire a passion for the laboratory sciences in students, fostering compassionate, ethical healthcare team members and lifelong learners.

Make a difference as a histologist

Certified histologists play a critical part in a laboratory team as they embed, cut and stain tissue samples for microscopic analysis. Pathologists depend on and trust histologists to perform their tasks with accuracy, enabling them to effectively render a diagnosis. As the medical field advances and changes, histologists continue to play a vital role in patient care.

Criteria for success and work opportunities

Histologists are known for their patience, excellent fine motor skills, and the ability to think critically in situations that require sound scientific judgment. Beyond Labcorp, a certified histologist may find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private laboratories, research institutions, and veterinary medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to the Labcorp Histology Education Program?

Current Labcorp employees in Tampa can request an application by emailing [email protected].

If you aren’t part of our Labcorp Tampa team yet and are interested in a career in the scientific field, we invite you to explore our open job opportunities.

Applicants to the Labcorp Histology Education Program typically start as data entry associates or laboratory assistants and have recently finished or are working toward their associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

How much does the program cost?

The cost of the Labcorp Histology Education Program is fully covered by Labcorp, including books and materials.

Will I still receive payment as a Labcorp employee after I enroll in the program?

Yes, you will still be paid for your time “on the clock” that you work as a Labcorp employee. Any Histology rotation hours for training purposes are performed “off the clock.” We provide flexibility in scheduling as we understand that you are balancing your work and education.

What educational background is required to apply?

The applicant must have an AA/AS degree or at least 60 semester hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university or equivalent with a combination of 12 semester hours of biology and chemistry. A mathematics course including algebra is also recommended.

When does the program start?

The 12-month program begins each January and July. Applications are accepted year-round.

What are the program's external certification outcomes, graduation rates and placement rates?

Objectives and Competencies of the Labcorp Histology Education Program

The competency expectations for an entry-level histologist include both theoretical and technical proficiencies. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will demonstrate competency in the following areas:

Tissue identification and microscopy
Fixation
Processing
Embedding
Microtomy
Routine and special stains procedures

Laboratory health and safety
Instrumentation
Laboratory mathematics
Solution preparation
Frozen sectioning (cryotomy)
Quality control and regulatory requirements

Program graduates will also:

Gain critical knowledge

Learn medical terminology

Perform gross tissue dissection/identification of tissues
Learn tissue orientation/identification at embedding
Perform troubleshooting (embedding, microtomy, staining, and coverslipping)
Recognize and identify cellular structures, tissue types and preferred stain(s) to demonstrate specific features
Describe alternative procedures for processing and staining tissues

Learn technical skills

Orient tissue appropriately at embedding
Produce quality slides at microtomy for various tissue types
Perform special staining procedures with accuracy and troubleshooting abilities
Demonstrate safety procedures for handling chemical, biological and physical laboratory hazards
Practice preventive maintenance of equipment
Conduct quality control procedures within predetermined limits

Develop professional practices

Use appropriate forms of communication (written, oral non-verbal) in the histology laboratory, including interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education
Demonstrate appropriate behavior in the laboratory, including sound judgement, compassion and commitment to the patient and an attitude of teamwork
Strive for professionalism and practice discretion and confidentiality regarding laboratory tests and patient reports
Manage time, organize workload and adhere to safety guidelines

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