Histologic Technician

Program Level: Degrees
Department: Health Sciences and Histology
Institute: Health & Biosciences
College: SPC

What is the Histologic Technician program?

Histology is the microscopic study of human or animal tissue and how it relates to organ function or disease processes. Emphasis is placed on the body's organ system - its structure and function. Working closely with a pathologist, a histologic technician can determine whether a disease or cancer exists like melanoma or lymphoma. Histologic technicians develop expertise in handling and processing tissues by fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, and the use of various staining techniques. 

The histology laboratory involves the use of a variety of instrumentation like microtomes, tissue embedders, and processors. 

Students pursuing this career must possess visual acuity, digital dexterity, and motor coordination, and enjoy working with others. They must be able to work quickly under pressure when processing patient tissue with the use of delicate instruments, sharp knives, glass slides, and chemical reagents. The histology career is both challenging and rewarding at the same time.

What will I learn?

As a student, you will learn basic and specialized histologic techniques currently used in a histology laboratory. In addition, you learn how to manually process tissue samples through hands-on techniques or the use of laboratory automation.

What can I do with this course of study?

Students completing our program will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Histologic Technician and are eligible to apply for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician(HT) certification examination administered by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC).

Program Outcomes

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Information Sessions Spring 2024

Virtual Sessions:

Date

Location

Time

3/1/2024

Zoom: https://alamo.zoom.us/j/9187556873

1:00-2:00 pm

4/3/2024

Zoom: https://alamo.zoom.us/j/9187556873

1:00-2:00 pm

4/17/2024

Zoom: https://alamo.zoom.us/j/9187556873 

1:00-2:00 pm

What's unique about the program?

The Histologic Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). 

 ...expect to receive a quality educational environment that stimulates critical thinking...
Program Accreditation, Certification and Information

Accreditation: 

The St. Philip's College Histologic Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(847) 939-3597 or (773) 714-8880
http://www.naacls.org

Certification:

After completion of the required academic and histology technician courses, you will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible the Histotechnician, HT(ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC), computer exam. https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed#us-certifications

American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
33 West Monroe St, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
(800) 267-2727
http://www.ascp.org/Board-of-Certification

Program Outcomes THECB Statutory Requirement

Admissions and Prerequisite Requirements

Admissions Requirements:

It is required that all Histologic Technician Program applicants follow the procedures below.  Unsuccessful completion of all items within the mandated time-frame will preclude the application and therefore the application will not be considered for admission review.

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Prerequisite Requirements:

All applicants must complete all college course requirements prior to submitting their application. The prerequisite must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.

The prerequisite course is: 

These courses are:

  • BIOL 2401 & BIOL 2402 – Human Anatomy and Physiology or BIOL 2404 – Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Application and Selection Process

Application Process:

Applications for admission to the Histology Technician Program (HLAB) are accepted throughout the year. It is recommended students submit a complete application packet once the prerequisite is completed. For consideration, the Fall semester class packet must be submitted by July 15th.

Applications are reviewed and processed before the Fall semester for consideration for the next available class. Failure to complete and submit all requested paperwork before the start of the Fall semester results in forfeiture of placement within the program.

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Selection Process:

After careful review of all applicants by the program director and faculty, applicants who are selected will be notified by email of their acceptance or nonacceptance into the program. If you are accepted, you will be emailed an acceptance letter to complete the items listed below. The acceptance letter will give you directions to where and when to complete your criminal background check and drug screen.   

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No person shall, on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or recently separated veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law, or persons who have opposed discrimination or participated in any complaint process on campus or before a government agency, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in employment or under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by the College District. H.1.1

Contact Information

Program Director:
Aaron Herrera HT(ASCP)cm QIHC,BASc.
aherrera220@alamo.edu
210-486-2037
MLK Center for Health Professions (CHP), 330U
   

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