About the Program
Histotechnology is an allied health specialty that offers exciting possibilities for those who want a rewarding career in science and a significant role in health care. Histology is the study of tissue. A histology technician or a histotechnologist is a highly skilled laboratory professional who
- prepares tissue samples for processing
- performs routine staining and sectioning of tissueto 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.
OUR PROGRAM
The Histotechnology Program was initiated in 2007 as a tract within the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. It is the only program within the commonwealth of Virginia. The program is 15 months in length. Because of the intense nature of the program, the students attend classes at various sites for the entire program. The didactic course work for the program is given at the university and at local hospitals. Concurrent with the academic year, clinical experiences are acquired during rotation to a variety of histology laboratories throughout the region. The required times for the rotations coincide with the specific laboratory or hospital working hours. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation and/or housing during these clinical internships.
Upon satisfactory completion of the program, a graduate is eligible to sit for the national certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Upon successful completion of the registry examination, the histology technician is allowed to use HT(ASCP) after their name. A Histotechnology student who completes the BSHS degree is eligible to sit for the Histotechnology examination and use the HTL(ASCP) designation upon successfully taking the examination.
The program is currently undergoing accreditation by the National Accredit ting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 8410n W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670, Chicago, IL, 60631-3415, phone 773-714-8880.
OUR STUDENTS
have a strong interest in biology and science in high school. They are required to have anatomy, one chemistry course, and one math class. Students must like to solve puzzles and pay attention to details. As a student in the Histotechnician Program you can expect to
- attend specialized lectures from area health professionals and pathologists
- gain valuable learning experiences from in clinical rotations to a variety of hospitals and laboratories across the region
- take the National Certifying Examination given by the Board of Registry, American Society of Clinical Pathology
- find excellent employment promptly after graduation.
OUR FACULTY
consists of histotechnologists, cytotechnologists, educators and pathologists with numerous years of experience in a variety of clinical settings. In addition to advising students regularly regarding curriculum and career issues, faculty
- serve on committees and as officers in state and national professional organizations
- participate in daily work at local hospitals
- assist students with research projects
- manage grants and contracts
- conduct research in the areas of asbestos, ergonomic issues, hormonal studies, and unique patient cases.
Program Options
Certificate Program: The Histotechnician Program is a 15 month.
Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences: Graduation Requirements
-
Completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours
-
Pass Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency
-
Complete Senior Assessment
-
Have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.0 in major
-
Completion of 30 semester hours ODU residency
Licensure And Certification
Upon successful completion of an approved Histotechnology Education Program and proof of a baccalaureate degree, if appropriate an individual is eligible to sit for the certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathology. The Histotechnician Program must be approved by the National Accredit ting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Histotechnologists are required to be licensed in some states. Check with the state medical board for individual requirements.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities are excellent. Rewarding positions may be found in traditional places of employment including both public and private hospital based laboratories, private laboratories, state and federal health care agencies, and molecular diagnostic laboratories. Non-traditional opportunities exist in industry, veterinary offices, regulatory agencies, consulting, research and development, and higher education institutions.
The job opportunities, as well as the salaries, continue to increase with the advancement of new processing methods and tumor identification techniques. Approximately 90 % of the Histotechnology students are offered a position before the end of the academic program. Many ODU graduates are employed in management or supervisory positions across the country.
Personal Qualifications
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.
Technical Standards
Technical standards represent the essential non-academic requirements of the program that students must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable. The following is a list of the technical abilities and skills applicants for admission must possess:
- Manual Dexterity: Ability to use hand(s) or prosthetic devices with coordination.
- Fine Motor: Ability to manipulate small objects with fingertips or adaptive devices.
- Vision: Ability to distinguish red, yellow, and blue colors; distinguish clear from cloudy; and distinguish objects through a microscope.
- Concentration: Ability to sit and concentrate visually for prolonged periods.
- Writing: Ability to communicate effectively in the written form in English.
- Reading: Ability to read, understand, and follow directions printed in English.