Histotechnology

The mission of the Alamance Community College Histotechnology Program is to graduate histotechnicians with entry-level competencies to include technical and professional skills acquired through relevant training as defined by current professional expectations and the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. The major program goal is to graduate students who will effectively and efficiently perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical laboratory tasks in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of the histotechnology program and possess the theoretical knowledge necessary to become certified histotechnicians through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Degree Offered

Associate of Applied Science: Histotechnology

Accreditation

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 60018-5199. Telephone: (773) 714-8880.  Web site: www.naacls.org

Program Outcomes

To fulfill the mission and goals of the Histotechnology program, the following Program Outcome Measures and Benchmarks have been developed.

  1. Graduate Employment: 100% of graduates who seek employment in the field will be employed within six months of program completion. (Note: positive placement includes graduates that choose to continue with their education).
  2. ASCP Board of Certification Examination Pass Rate: 80% of graduates who take the examination within one year of program completion will pass on the first attempt.
  3. Graduation Rate: 80% of students who enter second-year, professional-phase courses will complete the program.

Each of the outcome criteria is evaluated systematically to determine if the Histotechnology program is meeting its goals and data is used for program improvement. Outcomes data is available to prospective students, currently enrolled students, and other interested individuals.

Graduate Employment within Six Months

2019-2020: 100%

2020-2021: 100%

2021-2022: 100%

2019-2022 Average: 100%

 

ASCP BOC Pass Rate

2019-2020: 0% (no students took the exam)

2020-2021: 33%

2021-2022: 71%

2019-2022 Average: 60%

 

Graduation Rate

2019-2020: 67%

2020-2021: 86%

2021-2022: 88%

2019-2022 Average: 83%

 

The ideal student has:

  • A natural aptitude for science
  • The ability to be accurate, reliable, and work well under pressure
  • Good communication skills
  • An  interest in helping people through the disease diagnosis process

Our curriculum prepares students to use biology and chemistry knowledge and technical skills to help prepare tissue samples for examination under a microscope.

Coursework includes instruction in:

  • Histotechniques
  • Histochemistry
  • Histopathology
  • Microscopy
  • Quality assurance

Why choose ACC for your Histotechnology education?

  • Enjoy flexible schedules (full-time/part-time options, evening classes)
  • Receive hands-on training from expert professors
  • Earn a valuable degree that is sought after by area employers
  • Keep your debt low (multiple financial aid options)
  • Benefit from connections with local companies

Histotechnology, a component of ACC’s Biotechnology Center of Excellence, was identified by the local and regional bioscience industry as a workforce development needs for Alamance County.

Technical Standards

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

View Histotechnology Technical Standards (PDF)

Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards may contact the Coordinator for Special Needs and Counseling at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.

Learn More and Apply

Interested in learning more about where training in histotechnology can take you? Request more information, apply today, or call to speak with our team at 336-506-4348.

print Histotechnology • Semester by Semester

Course
Number		 Course
Title		 contact
hours		 Credit
hours
ACA-111 College Student Success 1 1
ACA-111   College Student Success PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.

Register for this class
BIO-111 General Biology I 6 4
BIO-111   General Biology I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take DRE-097 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050 OR RED-090 ENG-090 DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DMA-040 DMA-050

This course introduces the principles and concepts of biology. Emphasis is placed on basic biological chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, metabolism and energy transformation, genetics, evolution, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate understanding of life at the molecular and cellular levels.

Register for this class
BIO-163 Basic Anatomy & Physiology 6 5
BIO-163   Basic Anatomy & Physiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.

Register for this class
Semester Total 13 10
Course
Number		 Course
Title		 contact
hours		 Credit
hours
Choose one of the following:
ENG-112 Writing and Research in the Disciplines 3 3
ENG-112   Writing and Research in the Disciplines PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take ENG-111

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.

Register for this class
-OR-
COM-231 Public Speaking 3 3
COM-231   Public Speaking PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • RED-070 or DRE-096

This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support.

Register for this class
Other Required Courses:
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers 4 3
CIS-110   Introduction to Computers PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.

Register for this class
CHM-130 General, Organic, & Biochemistry 3 3
CHM-130   General, Organic, & Biochemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 and ENG-080 RED-080 or DRE-096 Take 1 group; # Take MAT-060 ENG-111(S13673); # Take MAT-060 ENG-080 RED-080; # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 ENG-080 RED-080; # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 ENG-111(S13673); # Take DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 DRE-096(S23641);

This course provides a survey of basic facts and principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. Topics include measurement, molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, solutions, acid-base chemistry, gas laws, and the structure, properties, and reactions of major organic and biological groups. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical concepts.

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CHM-130A General, Organic, & Biochemistry Lab 2 1
CHM-130A   General, Organic, & Biochemistry Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DMA-010 DMA-020 DMA-030 and ENG-080 RED-080 or DRE-097; co-req CHM 130

This course is a laboratory for CHM 130. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in CHM 130. Upon completion, students should be able to utilize basic laboratory procedures and apply them to chemical principles presented in CHM 130.

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BIO-275 Microbiology 6 4
BIO-275   Microbiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • BIO-110, BIO-111, BIO-112 or BIO-168

This course covers principles of microbiology and the impact these organisms have on man and the environment. Topics include the various groups of microorganisms, their structure, physiology, genetics, microbial pathogenicity, infectious diseases, immunology, and selected practical applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills including microscopy, aseptic technique, staining, culture methods, and identification of microorganisms.

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Humanities Elective 3 3
Semester Total 24 20
Course
Number		 Course
Title		 contact
hours		 Credit
hours
BIO-271 Pathophysiology 3 3
BIO-271   Pathophysiology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides an in-depth study of human pathological processes and their effects on homeostasis. Emphasis is placed on interrelationships among organ systems in deviations from homeostasis. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of pathophysiology.

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HTO-110 Introduction to Histotechnology 3 3
HTO-110   Introduction to Histotechnology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides an introduction to histology laboratory operations and the professional responsibilities of the histologic technician. Emphasis is placed on organization, terminology, specimen accession, record keeping, quality assurance, OSHA regulations, quality improvement, principles and concepts of medical ethics, and legal issues. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the requirements and responsibilities of the daily operation of a histology laboratory.

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Social/Behavioral Science Elective 3 3
Semester Total 9 9
Course
Number		 Course
Title		 contact
hours		 Credit
hours
HTO-120 Histology 7 5
HTO-120   Histology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides an overview of the microscopic arrangement and identification of cells and tissues in the human body. Emphasis is placed on classification and relationships of the structure and function of microscopic systems. Upon completion, students should be able to microscopically identify cells, tissues, and organs of the human body.

Register for this class
HTO-130 Histotechniques 7 5
HTO-130   Histotechniques PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take HTO-110

This course provides an introduction to histologic techniques. Emphasis is placed on dissection, fixation, tissue processing, embedding, decalcification, cytology preparation techniques and frozen sectioning. Upon completion, students should be able to dissect, process, and cut high quality tissue sections.

Register for this class
HTO-140 Histochemistry 7 5
HTO-140   Histochemistry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course covers enzyme and immunological reactions as they relate to tissue staining. Emphasis is placed on basic, special, and immunohistochemical staining. Upon completion, students should be able to produce basic and special stains and be able to stain high quality tissue sections.

Register for this class
Semester Total 21 15
Course
Number		 Course
Title		 contact
hours		 Credit
hours
HTO-210 Histopathology 6 4
HTO-210   Histopathology PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides students with the correlation between histologic procedures and disease processes. Emphasis is placed on changes in tissue associated with various disease states and the use of selected special stains and techniques in identifying disease processes. Upon completion, students should be able to process tissue samples or apply stain, and prepare tissue to be viewed under a microscope.

Register for this class
HTO-220 Histotechnology Clinical 24 8
HTO-220   Histotechnology Clinical PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides the entry-level histotechnician clinical experience in an approved clinical histology laboratory. Emphasis is placed on learning and performing routine laboratory operations and the production of a slide set for the practical component of the certification examination. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in histologic techniques and be prepared to apply to take the Histology Technician certification exam.

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HTO-230 Professional Issues 3 3
HTO-230   Professional Issues PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONE

This course provides the practical application and integration of histology theory and practice using case studies. Topics include laboratory operations and accreditation processes, professional and ethical issues, laboratory management principles, and preparation for the certification examination. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate beginning level skills as a histotechnician and be prepared to apply to take the histotechnician certification exam.

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Semester Total 33 15
TOTAL CREDITS 69

Career Options

Employment opportunities include laboratories in hospitals, medical offices, industry and research facilities, and reference laboratories.

Salary Information

Salary ranges for entry-level HTs are approximately $25-$33 an hour, depending on location and shift.