Histotechnology, Associate of Applied Science
The A.A.S. degree program in Histotechnology is designed to prepare students to function in the highly complex arena of a histotechnology laboratory. Histotechnicians (HTs) prepare human or animal tissue samples for microscopic examination. These samples are used for diagnosing disease, conducting research, and teaching medical personnel. The analysis of a variety of body tissues and organs to detect the presence or absence of disease is performed in the medical laboratory commonly known as Anatomic Pathology.
The Histotechnology Program at CCBC provides courses that offer the full range of clinical and didactic experience to practice as histotechnician. Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification (BOC) exam given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) www.naacls.org; 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119; (773)714-8880. In addition, the program prepares students to enter the field with employment opportunities in a hospital, crime lab, veterinary lab, and public health facility upon graduation.
Program objectives
Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to:
- perform routine laboratory procedures encompassing all major areas of the histology laboratory;
- accurately and proficiently embed tissue and understand the principles of microtomy;
- proficiently produce slides of quality and quantity for patient diagnosis;
- evaluate the principles of staining and perform various staining techniques;
- recognize unexpected results and instrument malfunctions and take appropriate action;
- comply with safety procedures and ethical standards of practice;
- demonstrate professional and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, pathologists, other health care professionals, and the public;
- recognize continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence; and
- prepare to take the national certification examination offered by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
