Histology is one of the most important fields in the health care industry.  Hospitals, laboratories, and research facilities rely on qualified histology technicians to assist in the procurement and preparation of tissue and fluid samples for study.  Degrees in the histology field range from basic certification to master's degrees, depending on the college and the depth of study.  A quality education is required to succeed in the histology field, but several options exist for a student to enroll in online histology programs or traditional campus based courses.  Both options hold benefits for the student, but can lead to far different employment options.

Campus based histology programs are the most common form of earning a degree in the field.  The process of obtaining, storing, preparing, and studying samples involves a level of experience that cannot be gained without laboratory and classroom time.  A number of degrees are available, the most common ones being an associate's of science in histology.  Depending upon the university, students can often choose to specialize in a variety of areas such as microbiology and genetics.  These more specialized degrees can open up a new level of employment opportunities and lead to positions in some of the most rewarding and cutting-edge jobs in the industry today.

Choosing to enroll in an online course is a popular choice for thousands of students each year.  While the hands on nature of histology programs require numerous hours of experience in laboratories and classrooms in order to earn bachelor's, associate's or master's degrees, an online course holds its own unique set of benefits.  Convenience is the most obvious, as classes can be completed in a student's free time.  Costs are usually much lower for internet based courses, as well.  Earning a histology certificate online delivers a wide range of employment options, and can be used as the basis for continuing a student's education, leading to a more specialized degree at a later time.

Online histology programs usually offer classes that fulfill all requirements for gaining certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathologists.  This basic certification allows the graduate to gain employment as a histology technician in a variety of fields.  As a histology technician, individuals will be qualified to assist pathologists and other health professionals by collecting samples from patients and preparing them for examination under a microscope.  The health care industry is the most common choice, but opportunities also exist in a wide range of job fields including marine biology and forensic pathology.  

Histotechnicians, as histology technicians are often called, often earn over twenty dollars per hour for their services.  Income varies from state to state and depends upon the facility employing the histotechnician.  Hourly wages are often slightly higher when the histology technician is employed in a private physician's lab as opposed to a clinic or hospital.  Over 150,000 histotechnicians are employed across the nation, a number that is only expected to climb.  No matter which method of education or what degree a student chooses to earn, beginning a career in the histology field is a great investment in one's future.