Histotechnology

Program Overview

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The Histotechnology program at Elgin Community College prepares students for careers in histology laboratories. The program combines general education with hands-on experience, providing students with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam and pursue careers as histotechnicians or histotechnologists in hospitals, medical laboratories, and other healthcare settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Histotechnology Program at Elgin Community College provides a quality education that integrates general education and professional development courses with hands-on experience to prepare students with the technical abilities necessary to succeed in various histology laboratories.

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Objectives:

Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to process surgical tissues, biopsies, and autopsy specimens for microscopic evaluation by pathologists.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The Histotechnology program curriculum comprises courses in general education and histotechnology-specific disciplines. General education courses include English composition, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities/fine arts. Histotechnology courses cover topics such as histotechnology topics, embedding and cutting, special stains, and histotechnology practicum.

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Program Structure:

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Histotechnology requires the completion of 60-63 credit hours, including general education and histotechnology coursework. The Vocational Specialist Certificate in Histotechnology requires 30-33 credit hours, encompassing histotechnology topics and practicum experiences.

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Course Schedule:

The program can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. The following represents potential course schedules for both full-time and part-time students:

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Full-Time Course Schedule:

• First Semester: Biology, Chemistry, English Composition I, Medical Terminology, Mathematics
• Second Semester: Microbiology, English Composition II, Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective
• Third Semester: Organic Chemistry, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, Histotechnology Topics I, Embedding and Cutting I
• Fourth Semester: Interpersonal Communication, Histotechnology Topics II, Embedding and Cutting II, Special Stains, Histotechnology Practicum I, Histotechnology Practicum II

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Part-Time Course Schedule:

• First Year, Fall Semester: Biology
• First Year, Spring Semester: Chemistry
• Second Year, Fall Semester: English Composition I, Medical Terminology
• Second Year, Spring Semester: English Composition II, Mathematics
• Third Year, Fall Semester: Microbiology, Humanities
• Third Year, Spring Semester: Organic Chemistry, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective
• Fourth Year, Fall Semester: Histotechnology Topics I, Embedding and Cutting I
• Fourth Year, Spring Semester: Histotechnology Topics II, Embedding and Cutting II, Special Stains, Histotechnology Practicum I, Histotechnology Practicum II

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

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HST 111: Histotechnology Topics I

• Introduces the histotechnology profession
• Covers fixation, processing, staining, instrumentation, and safety
• Prepares students for standard practices and operations in a histology lab

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HST 113: Histotechnology Topics II

• Addresses management issues related to histology laboratories
• Includes designing a QA/QI program, writing policy and procedures, preparing resumes, and reviewing for the certification exam

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HST 121: Embedding and Cutting I

• Provides practical training in histotechnology techniques
• Focuses on hands-on use of histology equipment and methods for preparing slides

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HST 123: Embedding and Cutting II

• Offers additional opportunities to enhance practical skills in preparing slides from paraffin and frozen sections

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HST 125: Special Stains

• Covers the theory and practice of special stains in histology labs
• Includes units on carbohydrates, connective and muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and cytoplasmic granules

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HST 131: Histotechnology Practicum I

• Provides supervised experience in a histology lab
• Allows students to practice grossing, processing, embedding, cutting, staining, and interacting with histology personnel

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HST 133: Histotechnology Practicum II

• Expands on skills learned in HST 131
• Offers additional supervised experience in a new clinical setting

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

Student assessment within the Histotechnology program utilizes various methods to evaluate their understanding and mastery of the subject matter. These methods include:

• Exams (written and practical)
• Quizzes
• Laboratory reports
• Presentations
• Projects

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Assessment Criteria:

Students are evaluated based on their performance in assessments, including:

• Accuracy and completeness of answers
• Demonstration of technical skills
• Application of knowledge and critical thinking
• Professionalism and adherence to safety protocols

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The Histotechnology program employs a variety of teaching methods to engage students and enhance their learning experience, including:

• Lectures and discussions
• Laboratory demonstrations and practical sessions
• Group work and presentations
• Online resources and simulations

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Faculty:

The program is led by experienced faculty members with expertise in histotechnology. Faculty members are dedicated to providing students with individualized support and guidance throughout their academic journey.

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Unique Approaches:

The Histotechnology program at ECC incorporates unique approaches to teaching and learning, such as:

• Hands-on laboratory experiences that provide students with practical training and develop their technical skills
• Clinical partnerships with local hospitals and laboratories, offering students the opportunity to gain real-world experience
• Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork through collaborative learning activities

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the Histotechnology program are qualified to pursue careers in various settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Medical laboratories
• Research institutions
• Biotechnology companies

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Career Opportunities:

• Histotechnician
• Histotechnologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Research Assistant
• Quality Control Analyst

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Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the Histotechnology program are in high demand due to the increasing need for skilled professionals in the field. Employment opportunities are expected to grow in the coming years as the healthcare industry continues to expand.