Frequently Asked Questions

Histotechnologists are an essential member of the medical laboratory team that handles the technical operations in the preparation of surgical specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Histotechnologists also participate in research science and aid in the advancement in other sciences outside the medical laboratory setting.

Both participate in similar laboratory operations; histotechnologists undergo specific training that includes enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing. Histology technicians hold certification at the associate’s level, where histotechnologists maintain a certification at the baccalaureate level. Histotechnologists also tend to fill the roles of laboratory managers and coordinators.

Most histotechnologists work in the medical field, be it hospitals, clinics or other public health facilities. Other employment options outside of the medical field include research (medical, industrial, pharmaceutical, veterinary) and forensics.

Our school is one of two in the nation that is associated with a hospital system. What that means to our students is that they will have hands on experience in a clinical setting, this allows for a seamless transition into a career in histotechnology.

Please visit the A.S.C.P. website for the most recent list of acceptable evaluation agencies for foreign transcripts. You must use one of the agencies approved by A.S.C.P.

No, the school does not offer online or distance learning courses. All lectures and student labs will be held at the school’s location in Harrisonburg, VA. Clinical rotations will be in Sentara RMH Medical Center Histology Lab, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Immunohistochemistry Lab, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital Histology Lab, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Histology Lab, and Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital Histology Lab.

The Sentara RMH School of Histotechnology is an approved off-site educational program of our affiliated colleges/universities. Students who are enrolled in these institutions can apply for financial aid through the college/university financial aid office.

Students that are not enrolled in one of our affiliated colleges/universities are not eligible for federal financial aid.

There are three ways to pay your tuition. You may go to the Cashier’s Office at Sentara RMH Medical Center and tell them you are paying tuition to the Sentara RMH HTL School and that the funds should go into account #05-008-7256-41404 for the school. If you wish to pay over the phone using a credit card or checking account, call 540-689-1525 or 540-689-1526, and reference the above account number. Alternatively, you may mail a check payable to the Sentara RMH School of Histotechnology to:

Sentara RMH Medical Center
Attn: Admissions
2010 Health Campus Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Get a copy of the receipt from the cashier, or request one be sent to you, and bring to class on the first day. No one will be admitted without a receipt from the cashier.

No, the school does not offer payment plans. Tuition must be paid in full by the date stated in the letter you will receive from the program director.

You can apply for scholarships from N.A.A.C.L.S., A.S.C.P., or N.S.H.

The school accepts students twice per year with classes beginning in January and June. Classes beginning in January will start at the beginning of January. Classes beginning in June will start near the middle of June. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a letter from the program director containing start date information approximately six to eight weeks before classes start.

You will receive a class schedule on the first day of class, along with course outlines detailing subjects covered and required reading.

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a letter from the program director containing a list of required textbooks approximately six to eight weeks before classes start. Books for the year cost approximately
$600.