NSH - National Society for Histotechnology

08/05/2026

Kira Paukovits was an uncertified histotech when she enrolled in the NSH Histology Training Program. She wanted to understand the reasoning behind the work, not just memorize the steps.

Unlike other self-paced programs, every participant works with a preceptor, a subject matter expert who monitors discussions and assignments and gives corrective feedback when something isn't quite right.

If your lab is hiring or training staff, this is where to start! https://bit.ly/4tw1PG3

08/03/2026

Getting your trichrome contrast just right isn't just a point of pride, it's part of how doctors decide if a donor lung is good enough to transplant.

At Toronto General Hospital (ranked 2nd in the world), the Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion program keeps donor lungs alive outside the body to test if they're transplant-ready.

Histotechs run the tests behind that call, from H&E and TUNEL to a classic Elastin Masson trichrome with a twist most labs don't use. See the full lineup of stains and tests, below.

The National Society for Histotechnology publishes its blog twice weekly featuring histotechnology-focused topics.

07/23/2026

Thinking about sitting for your HT or HTL exam? The Lena Spencer Scholarship Fund wants to help cover the cost.

Every quarter, NSH awards three scholarships, up to $250 each, to help current members offset their HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) exam application fees. If you're planning to test within the next six months, you're eligible to apply.

This fund honors Lena Spencer, who spent over a decade on the NSH Board of Directors and believed certification should be within reach for everyone in this field. Applying only takes a few minutes. https://bit.ly/4eb5CTc

07/20/2026

Meet Dawn Schneider (many of you already have!)

Dawn started out volunteering as an ambassador at an NSH Histotechnology Convention, never expecting where it would lead. That contribution evolved into a seat on the NSH board representing her home state of Wisconsin, and what she now calls the most rewarding part of her career: helping other histotechs find the education and support they need.

If you've ever wondered what one small yes could lead to, this is it!

07/16/2026

UPCOMING LAB WEBINAR: The Push for Increasing Molecular Yield, Wednesday, July 22 at 1pm ET.

More labs are turning to EDTA for decalcifying bone and bone marrow specimens because it protects the DNA and RNA needed for molecular testing, though it takes longer than acid-based methods to get there. This session covers why EDTA is considered optimal for molecular workflows, how it affects DNA/RNA assay results, and which methods and instrumentation can speed up decalcification without sacrificing quality.

$99 gets your whole lab access to the live session plus the recording for a full year, no per-attendee fees.

Register below.

Laboratory Webinars are a great, inexpensive way to provide continuing education to a large number of employees. The cost for each session is the same, regardless of the number of attendees. You can purchase individual sessions or the full series for a discounted price.  You can attend live or watc...

07/14/2026

Molecular pathology is showing up in more histology labs every year, and a lot of techs are stepping into it with zero background in the terminology.

In her upcoming Convention session, Doylestown Health's Allison Eck will spell out the terminology behind DNA and RNA sequencing, breaking down barcodes, libraries, and reads so it finally clicks, no molecular background required.

Catch her Sunday, September 27 in San Antonio, part of the Multiomics, Assays, & Molecular Applications track.

Rates increase July 16! https://bit.ly/44U1zX4

07/13/2026

This week the NSH team packed up for New Orleans and the American School Counselor Association Conference, teaming up with ASCP, COLA, and ASM to introduce school counselors to careers in the lab.

Our CEO Aubrey Wanner and Education Director Connie Wildeman teamed up with board members Gabriela de la Cruz and Christie Gowan at the career fair, talking one-on-one with counselors about what histotechnology looks like as a career.

Counselors are often the first ones pointing students toward a path. Grateful to ASCP Board of Certification, COLA, and ASM for working with us to get histotechnology in front of more of them!

07/13/2026

Most histology and pathology labs are running with fewer supplies and leaner staffing, but the expectations for quality and turnaround time haven't changed.

In her upcoming NSH Histotechnology Convention session, Jennifer J. Coleman will share what actually worked in a high-volume pathology lab: supply standardization, waste reduction, workflow redesign, and smarter staff scheduling that added up to real savings without burning out the team or cutting corners on patient care.

Rates increase July 16! https://bit.ly/3R56ukD

07/10/2026

Manage a histology team? Get tools to lead it with more confidence!

This NSH Histotechnology Convention session will break down how to navigate team dynamics, spot the highest-impact improvements, and earn trust.

Catch "From Bench to Boss" with Jesse Lee James Papp on September 29 in San Antonio, part of the Career Exploration & Leadership track at the 2026 NSH Histotechnology Convention.

Rates increase July 16! 👉 https://bit.ly/3R56ukD

07/09/2026

Histology labs deal with real risks: chemical exposure, microtome injuries, hazardous spills, and specimen mishandling. In this upcoming Convention session, Rachel Finn, HTL(ASCP)CM will share real case studies from the field and best practices that could have prevented each one.

Join us Sunday, September 27 in San Antonio for this Histology Foundations session and leave with practical strategies to reduce risk in your lab.

Rates increase July 16! https://bit.ly/44U1zX4