Program Mission

The mission of the Histotechnician program is to provide learning experiences that, when successfully completed, prepare students to demonstrate the skills and behaviors congruent with those of professional histotechnicians.

Program Goals

The goals of the Histotechnician program are to:

• Provide a base of theory and practice that is appropriate to develop the entry level skills as a Histotechnician.
• Provide a program with ongoing review so that approval guidelines are maintained.
• Demonstrate support of the College’s mission and goals.
• Support the profession of histotechnology by preparing graduates who are competent in histology skills and as members of the health care team.
• Prepare graduates to successfully complete a national certification exam.

Histotechnician Entry Level Competencies

At career entry, the histotechnician will be able to perform routine histologic procedures such as:

• Receiving and accessioning tissue specimens
• Preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examinations, including all routine procedures
• Assisting with gross examination and frozen section procedures in histopathology
• Identifying tissue structures and their staining characteristics
• Performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or referring to appropriate sources for repairs
• Recognizing factors that affect procedures and results, taking appropriate action within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
• Performing and monitoring quality control within predetermined limits
• Applying principles of safety
• Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public
• Recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory healthcare professionals and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care
• Recognizing and acting upon individual needs for continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence
• Exercising principles of management, safety, and supervision