2009-2010 Catalog [Aug. 2009-Aug. 2010] [Archived Catalog]
Histologic Technology (2262) (A.S.)
|
|
Return to: Program Requirements
Associate in 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 utilitized 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
10320 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 804
Columbia, MD 21044
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 and hybrid delivery; therefore, computer skills with Internet access is a program requirement. Distance students are welcome. 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.
Application Procedure
- 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. A chemistry course is strongly recommended.
- Submit completed application to the HT program.
- 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.
Need More Information?
View Program Information and Contacts |