FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a histotechnologist?
A histotechnologist is a highly skilled laboratory professional who
- prepares tissue samples for processing
- performs routine staining and sectioning of tissue
- to be examined under the microscope by the pathologist for diagnosis of disease.
- recognizes slight variations in the color, size, and shape of cellular structures in all the types of tissue in the human body.
- executes special stains and immunohistochemistry stains for specific cellular elements.
- masters various specialized techniques for preparing and staining cell and tissue samples.
- understands laboratory regulations, accreditation procedures and management.
- works in public or private hospitals, laboratories, research facilities, industry, or state or federal institutions.
How long is the program?
The program is 15 months long.
When are the classes?
The academic classes are daily beginning at 10:00AM until 8:00 PM at the ODU Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, Old Dominion University main campus and at various local hospitals and laboratories. The four clinical rotations are daily with the hours coinciding with the working times of the laboratory or hospital.
What qualifications should I have?
An individual considering a career in Histotechnology should be able to perform work that requires precision and sound judgment. Manual dexterity, dependability, and good color vision are also important characteristics. Since the expertise of the histotechnologist is relied upon in assuring high quality patient care, individuals who are interested in becoming a histotechnologist should have a high degree of integrity and be willing to assume a great deal of responsibility.
Where will I work after I’ve completed the program?
Traditional places of employment include medical laboratories in both public and private health agencies, medical offices and institutions. Non-traditional employment opportunities exist in industry, veterinary offices, regulatory agencies, consulting, research and development, and higher education institutions.
How is the employment rate for students?
The employment rate for ODU graduates seeking positions in histology laboratories has been excellent.
What is the employment outlook for the future?
There was a significant vacancy rate for histotechnicians in the 2008 survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists. A continuing shortage is predicted for the next five to ten years.
What can I expect to earn after graduation?FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a histotechnologist?
A histotechnologist is a highly skilled laboratory professional who
• prepares tissue samples for processing
• performs routine staining and sectioning of tissue
to be examined under the microscope by the pathologist for diagnosis of disease.
• recognizes slight variations in the color, size, and shape of cellular structures in all the types of tissue in the human body.
• executes special stains and immunohistochemistry stains for specific cellular elements.
• masters various specialized techniques for preparing and staining cell and tissue samples.
• understands laboratory regulations, accreditation procedures and management.
• works in public or private hospitals, laboratories, research facilities, industry, or state or federal institutions.
How long is the program?
The program is 15 months long.
When are the classes?
The academic classes are daily beginning at 10:00AM until 8:00 PM at the ODU Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, Old Dominion University main campus and at various local hospitals and laboratories. The four clinical rotations are daily with the hours coinciding with the working times of the laboratory or hospital.
What qualifications should I have?
An individual considering a career in Histotechnology should be able to perform work that requires precision and sound judgment. Manual dexterity, dependability, and good color vision are also important characteristics. Since the expertise of the histotechnologist is relied upon in assuring high quality patient care, individuals who are interested in becoming a histotechnologist should have a high degree of integrity and be willing to assume a great deal of responsibility.
Where will I work after I’ve completed the program?
Traditional places of employment include medical laboratories in both public and private health agencies, medical offices and institutions. Non-traditional employment opportunities exist in industry, veterinary offices, regulatory agencies, consulting, research and development, and higher education institutions.
How is the employment rate for students?
The employment rate for ODU graduates seeking positions in histology laboratories has been excellent.
What is the employment outlook for the future?
There was a significant vacancy rate for histotechnicians in the 2008 survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists. A continuing shortage is predicted for the next five to ten years.
What can I expect to earn after graduation?
Entry level salaries for Histotechnicians is an average salary of $15 per hour depending upon the area of the country.
How will I find a job?
The faculty works with the graduate to find job openings in their preferred area of the country. Numerous publications are available listing job openings. The program director keeps an open file of correspondence regarding available positions.
When will I be able to take the Board of Registry Examination?
After successful completion of the Histotechnician Program.