Histologic Technology (2262)

Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science

Mission Statement

Creating competent, ethical, confident entry–level health care practitioners committed to professional development through life–long learning in a positive, non–discriminatory and supportive learning environment.

The Career

Histologic technology professionals develop skills that reach into a variety of fields. Most commonly these highly skilled individuals will be used in hospitals or private pathology laboratories, playing an integral role in preparing tissue specimens for the microscopic diagnosis of disease. Additionally, histology, the science of demonstrating a multitude of cellular characteristics, will be found utilized in medical, pharmaceutical and industrial research settings. The field of histologic technology is rapidly advancing, as more and more sophisticated diagnostic tools are being developed.

For additional information about a rewarding career as a histologic technician or technologist, write:

National Society for Histotechnology
5900 Princess Garden Parkway, Suite 805
Lanham, Maryland 20706

The Program

This limited access program, accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, Illinois 60631-3145, (773.714.8880), enables the graduate to sit for the ASCP Histologic Technician examination. Students who pass the HT (ASCP) exam will be eligible for Florida licensure in histotechnology through the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, Department of Health. Students are evaluated for acceptance into the program based on academic criteria (completion of prerequisite courses) and interview. Selected histologic technology courses are formatted for Web-based delivery; therefore, computer skills with Internet access is a program requirement. Students may find it difficult to work during the practicum phase of the education (last two semesters) due to the number of required contact hours per week. Students will be expected to perform in a professional manner during the campus and practicum phases and must have excellent coordination skills.

Internships/Rotations

Two of the three semesters involve clinical rotations in area research labs and private clinics.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement

Rapidly advancing technology and new, sophisticated tools have made this science more accessible. By 2010, the U.S. will need an additional 106,000 histologic technologists to fill the growing demand. Our graduates are usually offered immediate employment by the hospital or medical center where they train. However, your skills can also be applied to research in human disease, forensics, veterinary pathology or marine biology.

Annual Salaries

The typical starting salary in this field is $28,000-$36,000.

Accreditation and Certification

This limited access program, accredited by the The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) at 8410 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 670, Chicago, Illinois 60631–3415, 773.714.8880, enables the graduate to sit for the ASCP Histologic Technician examination. Students who pass the HT (ASCP) exam will be eligible for Florida licensure in histotechnology through the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, Department of Health.

Articulation

This A.S. degree program articulates into a bachelor’s degree program. For more information, please visit the Transfer Services Web site.

Application Procedure

1. Complete 12 credits of college credit coursework applicable to the A.S. histologic technology degree, to include ENC 1101 or MAC 1105, and either BSC 2010C or BSC 2085C.
2. Submit completed application to the HT program.
3. Complete required interview process with the HT education coordinator and program director.

A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.

Prior to contact with patients or patient specimens, students must furnish proof of childhood immunizations and Hepatitis B immunization. Contact program director for additional information.

Students are evaluated for acceptance into the program based on academic criteria (completion of prerequisite courses) and interview. Selected histologic technology courses are formatted for Web-based delivery; therefore, computer skills with Internet access is a program requirement. Students may find it difficult to work during the practicum phase of the education (last two semesters) due to the number of required contact hours per week. Students will be expected to perform in a professional manner during the campus and practicum phases and must have excellent coordination skills.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in the histologic technology courses and complete all campus-based courses with a grade point average of 2.0 or better before entering the practicum phase of their education. Placement in the clinical practicum is on a space available basis; a GPA ranked waiting list will determine placement should space become limited for reasons beyond the control of the program.

Cost

Estimated cost of tuition is $5,047 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 07/07). Contact the program manager for additional costs (fees, textbooks, materials).

Curriculum

Course Number and Title		Credits
General Education Courses
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
BSC 2010C	Principles of Biology I	4
MAC 1105	College Algebra	3
	*Social and Behavioral Sciences	3
	*Humanities	3
	Credit Hours	16

Required Professional Courses
HSC 1531	Medical Terminology (for Health Professionals)	3
BSC 2085C	Human Anatomy and Physiology I	4
CHM 1025C	Introduction to General Chemistry	4
BSC 2086C	Human Anatomy and Physiology II	4
MCB 2010C	Microbiology	4
CHM 2045C	General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis I	4
MLT 2190C	Histology	4
MLT 2191	Histotechniques I	4
MLT 2191L	Histotechniques I Lab	1
CHM 2046C	General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis II	4
MLT 2192	Histotechniques II	4
MLT 2192L	Histotechniques II Lab	1
MLT 2840L	Histotechnology Practicum I	5
MLT 2194	Histotechniques III	3
MLT 2194L	Histotechniques III Lab	1
MLT 2841L	Histotechnology Practicum II	7
MLT 2193C	Histopathology	3
	Credit Hours	60
	Total Program Credits	76

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.

Note

You have two options in this program: the associate in science (A.S.) degree, which can prepare you for employment or transfer to a state university, and the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, which is intended primarily for students who want immediate employment after graduation. Students earning an A.S. degree must take MAC 1105, MGF 1106 or a higher level mathematics course. Students earning an A.A.S. degree must take MAT 1033 or a higher level mathematics course and any combination of biology or chemistry courses that have prior approval by the Dean and total 8 credit hours or more for CHM 2045C and CHM 2046C. Suggested combinations would be as follows: BSC 2011C and CHM 2210C or CHM 2210C and CHM 2211C.

Record of Conviction of a Crime

The Florida State Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 483 will determine a HT program graduate’s eligibility for licensure when there is an arrest/conviction record. Convicted felons who have not had their civil rights restored are not eligible for licensure in the profession of histologic technology in the state of Florida. Students should contact the HT Department for information regarding Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel regulations.

Note

Most clinical agencies require students to undergo drug screen and criminal background checks prior to placement in the agencies for clinical experiences. Students whose drug screening and criminal background checks are deemed unsatisfactory may be denied access to clinical experiences by the clinical agencies. Failure to qualify for and meet clinical requirements at clinical sites may prevent completion of the program. Withdrawal from the program may be necessary if students cannot be placed for clinical experiences.

The cost of the background check and drug screen is borne by the student. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to have all paperwork completed by the program’s published deadline.

Students who are unable to complete the clinical requirements after acceptance into selective access programs are not eligible for refunds of tuition.

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