Why does accreditation matter in histotechnology? For many, it’s just a term encountered in career paths or certification requirements. However, the impact of accreditation goes far beyond just checking boxes—it’s a vital assurance of quality and opportunity. In this post, I’ll explore the purpose of accreditation, the process behind it, and its importance for our schools and our profession.
What is Accreditation?
The term accredited program describes histotechnology programs that meet specific criteria, enabling graduating students to apply for—and pass—their American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) HT and HTL exams. But one component of accreditation often overlooked is the very definition of the term itself.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, accreditation is “the action or process of officially recognizing someone as having a particular status or being qualified to perform a particular activity” (Oxford University Press, 2024). In this case, that “someone” is the accredited program, and the activity is preparing clinical laboratory professionals.
The accrediting body in most cases is the National Association for the Accreditation of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). But who grants NAACLS the authority to make these decisions, and what exactly goes into the process?
The Role of NAACLS
NAACLS engages experts in histotechnology education as volunteers to evaluate programs through a rigorous process of external peer review. Their mission is to ensure these programs meet the requirements to graduate students prepared for careers in histotechnology.
This involves adherence to standards developed by educators and enforced by NAACLS. These standards, found on NAACLS.org, include requirements on curriculum, facilities, and self-assessment processes. Meeting these standards assures students that their education prepares them for employment across the United States and qualifies them to apply for the ASCP board examination. NAACLS’s roots in the profession go back to 1973, when it was established by the ASCP and ASCLS to standardize educational policies in clinical laboratory science.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation offers tangible benefits for all stakeholders:
- Students: Accredited programs prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in certification exams and careers. First-time pass rates for accredited program graduates are significantly higher—76% compared to the overall pass rate of 60% for HTs and 64% for HTLs (ASCP, 2023).
- Educators: Accreditation validates the quality of their programs, demonstrating compliance with national standards and increasing program visibility.
- Employers: Accredited program graduates are seen as reliable candidates, already equipped with the foundational skills to excel in the field.
Challenges and Opportunities
Maintaining accreditation is not without its challenges. Programs must invest time and resources to meet and exceed the established standards. However, these efforts result in graduates who are well-prepared and contribute to advancing the profession.
With the increasing demand for histotechnicians and limited educational programs, some facilities may need to revisit on-the-job training (OJT). While OJT remains an option, it is often less structured, with pass rates lower than those of accredited program graduates.
A Personal Perspective
Full disclosure, I did not attend an accredited program for my histotechnology education. In the 1990s, on-the-job training was a common route for entering the field. I transitioned from an EMT position in the emergency room to histology and other roles. However, as clinical sites face growing demands and limited resources, accredited programs provide a streamlined, reliable path for training histotechnicians to meet the needs of today’s workforce.
Looking Ahead
As the demand for qualified histotechnicians continues to grow, accreditation remains a cornerstone for advancing education, certification, and professional excellence in our field. For those considering a career or program in histotechnology, understanding accreditation is an essential first step.
About the Author
Dale Telgenhoff is a former program director for a NAACLS-accredited histotechnology program. He has reviewed numerous self-studies as a volunteer for NAACLS, served as an accreditation site visitor, and currently serves on the NAACLS Program Accreditation Review Committee as the Histotechnology Education Lead.