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Education Overview

The 2026 NSH Convention will take place September 25-29, 2026. The purpose of the NSH Convention is to provide an interchange of ideas pertinent to histotechnology and to advance professional growth, standards, knowledge, and performance in histotechnology through continuing and formal educational programs.
 

Presentation Formats

  • Workshops - standard 60 minute lecture format with Q&A
  • Express Talks - 15 minute lectures that explore a single idea illustrating at troubleshooting tip, management tool or technique demonstration
  • Learning Labs- hands-on training that provides the opportunity for attendees to observe and practice skills

Presentation Tracks

Histology Foundations: Techniques, Staining Science, Concepts (including hard tissues and frozen sections)

These courses emphasize technical excellence, performance, and troubleshooting across the histology laboratory. This includes essential histology practices across routine, complex, and intraoperative workflows. Topics include: 

  • Fixation principles and tissue processing variables
  • Embedding and microtomy best practices
  • Cryotomy techniques
  • Frozen section preparation and troubleshooting
  • Artifact prevention, recognition, and correction
  • Hard tissue processing/decalcification
  • Bone and mineralized tissue methods
  • Gross specimen handling
  • Commonly used stains and stain troubleshooting
  • Workflow efficiency and standardization
  • Special stains theory and troubleshooting
  • Automation in staining workflows

Multiomics, Assays, & Molecular Applications

This track integrates histology with next-generation diagnostics and precision medicine. This track highlights emerging technologies and biomarker-driven diagnostics that expand the role of histotechnology in modern pathology and patient care.  Topics include:

  • Multiomics in tissue-based diagnostics
  • Spatial biology and multiplex platforms
  • Molecular pathology (ISH, FISH, CISH)
  • Companion diagnostics and predictive biomarkers
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Translational and precision medicine applications
  • Integration of genomic, proteomic, and histologic data
  • Validation and quality considerations in molecular workflows

Laboratory Management & Safety

This track focuses on providing knowledge and skill to build and maintain compliant, efficient, and safe laboratory environments. This track addresses operational excellence, regulatory readiness, and workplace safety.  Topics include:

  • Laboratory safety culture and ergonomics
  • Regulatory readiness (CAP, CLIA, accreditation)
  • Quality management systems
  • Risk mitigation strategies
  • Process improvement and lean methodologies
  • Sustainability initiatives

Career Exploration, Growth, and Leadership Skills

This track focuses on the development of resilient histology professionals and future-ready teams. It emphasizes strengthening individual career pathways, certification support, skills for leading strong teams, and the broader profession- on and off the bench.  Topics include:

  • Leadership development in laboratory settings
  • Workforce recruitment and retention strategies
  • Competency-based training programs
  • Mentorship and succession planning
  • Certification preparation
  • Career pathways and advancement
  • Communication and team resilience

Digital Pathology, Imaging & Data Science

This track provides training and education on technology transforming slide-based diagnostics. This track covers hardware, software, and computational elements.  Topics include:

  • Digital slide acquisition & workflow integration
  • AI applications in histopathology
  • Image analysis & quantification tools
  • Validation of digital pathology systems
  • Data management & interoperability
  • Remote sign-out & telepathology
  • Cybersecurity considerations in pathology

Specialized Histology Techniques

This track focuses on advanced microscopy and techniques. This track includes specialized modalities and evolving areas of practice such as electron microscopy and microarrays.  Topics include:

  • Electron microscopy
  • Tissue microarrays
  • Laser capture microdissection

Mohs Histotechnology

This track is a focus on the specialized techniques, workflow, and quality considerations in Mohs surgery laboratories.  Topics include:

  • Mohs frozen section preparation
  • Tissue mapping and orientation
  • Horizontal sectioning techniques
  • Mohs laboratory workflow optimization
  • Quality assurance in Mohs labs
  • Regulatory considerations
  • Emerging technologies in Mohs surgery laboratories

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