Histotechnology A.A.S. (A45370)

Program Description

This curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare tissue specimens for microscopic examination using various stains and dyes to identify tissue and cell structures.

Course work emphasizes scientific concepts related to laboratory procedures, quality assessment, histology, microscopy, and other related topics.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

• Identify acceptable specimens and perform processing procedures required in preparation for specimen analysis in histology according to established laboratory standards.
• Demonstrate theoretical knowledge required for performance of diagnostic procedures in histology according to established laboratory standards.
• Demonstrate entry-level technical skills required for performance of diagnostic procedures in histology according to established laboratory standards.
• Describe laboratory safety and patient safety measures and recall safety regulations followed to achieve safety regulatory compliance in histology according to established laboratory standards.
• Describe all aspects of quality assurance in histology and produce and assess acceptability of quality control results according to established laboratory standards.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior consistent with a laboratory professional and in accordance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Interpret procedure outcomes and demonstrate an ability to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable results regarding embedding, microtomy and staining procedures in the histology lab.
• List and explain the role of all regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies associated with the histology laboratory.

NAACLS Accreditation

The Histotechnology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. Telephone: (773) 714-8880. website: www.naacls.org

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the program are approved by NAACLS to take the certification exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification. Employment opportunities include pathology laboratories in hospitals and clinics and medical or research laboratories.

Admission

The following requirements must be completed for admission:

• Updated application
• High school transcript or equivalent
• Minimum GPA of 2.0 on previous college work
• Required placement test scores
• Meeting with Histotechnology department head

Students who are admitted to the program are advised to be full-time students and follow the semester-by-semester curriculum plan. The sequencing of courses in the Histotechnology program requires that first-year students complete all general education courses and science prerequisite courses for the histotechnology courses (HTO) taught during the second year of the program. Students will take Introduction to Histotechnology (HTO 110 ) during the summer session after their first two semesters. In the second year of the program, students will focus on the skills they need to acquire to work as histotechnicians.

Progression

Students must complete all Histotechnology (HTO, BIO and CHM) courses with a grade of “C” or better to complete this program. Specific program academic and progression policies are in the Histotechnology Program Orientation and Policy Manual given to students upon program entry. Students must meet minimum program academic requirements and satisfactory completion of all laboratory skills to remain in the program. For questions, contact the Histotechnology department head.

Clinical sites require a criminal records check, drug screen, required immunization records, and other site-specific requirements before students can participate in clinical rotations at their facility.

Technical Standards

Students entering the program must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found on the department webpage, in the admissions office and in the program handbook.

Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards may contact the Disability Services Coordinator at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.

Additional Program Costs

The Histotechnology curriculum has additional costs associated with it. Students who enroll in this program are required to pay for such items as certification exams, achievement tests, uniforms, supplies, and the like. Many of these are required as part of the curriculum, but are not provided by the College. Additional expenses required for this program are listed below with approximate costs.

• Uniforms-$100
• Vaccinations and required physical-$300
• Liability insurance-$16 per year (included in HTO 220  tuition)
• Certification exam-$215
• Name badge-$10
• Criminal background check-$25
• Urinary drug screen-$50

Degree, Diplomas, and Certificates

Graduates of the Histotechnology program receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Histotechnology. Graduates will be eligible to take the certification examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification. The associate degree is NOT contingent upon passing a certification or licensure examination.