Histologic Technician
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). Want more information?Information SessionsVirtual and Face-to-Face Sessions:
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What's unique about the program?The Histologic Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
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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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One or more of these programs are approved Ready to Work programs. Find out if you’re eligible to receive free tuition and job placement services that will enable you to secure an in-demand career. |