This program provides on-campus and on-site technical training in the field of histotechnology, focusing on routine tissue sample preparation, special stains and techniques such as immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridation. Training on campus will utilize samples routinely prepared in both clinical and research facilities. As part of their formal training, students of histotechnology will work through study guides provided by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) for its certification examination. Partnerships with local facilities will allow for work experience and internship sites, required for certification of histotechnology graduates, and will provide further training for those interested in research and/or careers in the private sector.
Histologic Technician Training Degree
Explore Mt. San Antonio College's Histologic Technician Training Degree!
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- About this Degree
- Sample Job TitlesTitles based on SOC Code: 29-2012
- Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Clinical Laboratory Technician (Clinical Lab Technician)
- Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant)
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
- Medical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Lab Technician)
- Medical Technician
- SalariesWages & Employment Trends based on SOC Code: 29-2012
- Required ClassesChoose one course from the following:ANAT 10B Introductory Human Physiology
Integrated study of the function of and interaction between the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, excretory (including electrolyte and acid-base balance), endocrine, and reproductive systems (including human genetics and embryology).
ANAT 36 Human PhysiologyHuman physiology at the cellular and molecular levels covering muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Includes regulation and integration of organ systems where appropriate.
MICR 26 Introduction to ImmunologyImmunology including principles of innate and adaptive immunity, B and T lymphocyte structure, function, and development, the major histocompatibility complex, immune system errors, and applications and techniques in the immunology field as they pertain to medical diagnostics, immunohistochemistry, and biotechnology.
ANAT 35 Human AnatomyStructure of the organ systems at the gross, subgross, and microscopic levels based on human material and dissection of the cat. Designed to serve as an introduction to vertebrate embryology.
Choose one course from the following:CHEM 10 Chemistry for Allied Health MajorsMeasurements, structure, nomenclature (includes organic), formulas, reactions, radioactivity, energy, acids, bases, solutions and pH, and properties of solid, liquid, and gas. This course is appropriate for allied health majors. Completion does not give eligibility for CHEM 50.
CHEM 40 Introduction to General ChemistryMeasurements, atomic structure, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, acids and bases, bonding, nomenclature, matter, and energy. Completion prepares students to take CHEM 50.
CHEM 50 General Chemistry IGeneral Chemistry topics including chemical formulas, equations, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, periodic trends, atomic structure, chemical bonding and structure, properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions. Emphasis is on critical thinking as well as mathematical and dimensional analysis problem-solving. Laboratory experiments emphasize the scientific method as well as computer-based technologies in data acquisition and analysis. Introduces laboratory report writing skills.
CHEM 50 General Chemistry I - HonorsGeneral Chemistry topics including chemical formulas, equations, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, periodic trends, atomic structure, chemical bonding and structure, properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions. Emphasis is on critical thinking as well as mathematical and dimensional analysis problem-solving. Laboratory experiments emphasize the scientific method as well as computer-based technologies in data acquisition and analysis. Introduces laboratory report writing skills. An honors course designed to provide an enriched experience. Students may not receive credit for both CHEM 50 and CHEM 50H.
Plus the following coursework:HT 1 Introduction to HistoctechnologyThe role of histotechnicians in preparation and analysis of tissues samples for diagnostic and research purposes. Internet resources, support organizations and periodical references for histotechnicians, as well as regulatory agencies. Set up of an educational plan and portfolio to be used throughout the program.
HT 2 Scientific Basics for HistotechniciansGeneral laboratory issues including general laboratory protocols (GLP's), safety, ethics, and terminology relative to the preparation of tissue samples.
HT 10 HistologyMicroscopy, cell structure, cell reproduction, and staining. Identification of tissues, organs, and special microstructures, and their detailed morphology. Involves distinguishing normal features from pathological conditions.
HT 12 Beginning HistotechniquesTheory and practical applications and skill-building in tissue fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, microtomy, hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E), and microorganism staining. Quality control as it relates to routine histological techniques and equipment.
HT 14 Advanced HistotechniquesPractical applications of special stains for carbohydrates, amyloid, connective tissues, muscle and nervous tissues, including silver stains. Introduction to frozen sections, cytology preparation, and microwave technology. Field trip required.
HT 16 Histochemistry & ImmunohistochemistryPractical applications of enzyme and immunological reactions as they relate to tissue staining. Field trip required.
HT 17 Work Experience in HistotechnologyProvides histotechnology students with actual on-the-job experience in an approved work setting which is related to classroom instruction. A minimum of 75 paid or 60 non-paid clock hours per semester of supervised work is required for each unit of credit. It is recommended that the hours per week be equally distributed throughout the semester. Students who repeat this course will improve skills through further instruction and practice. Placement by Program Director.
*MICR 1 Priniciples of Microbiology (or)Fundamental concepts of microbiology with emphasis on bacteria. Survey of microbial classification, morphology, physiology, and genetics; beneficial and pathological aspects; growth and control of microbes; virology, immunology, and host-microbe interactions. Important infectious diseases of humans are surveyed. Laboratory exercises examine microbial morphology, physiology, and genetics as well as environmental influences of microorganisms. Laboratory techniques include culturing, examining, and identifying microorganisms. Field trips are required.
*MICR 22 MicrobiologyFundamental concepts of microbiology including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and parasitic worms.
*Students required to choose one course: MICR 1 or MICR 22.
- How Long Will it Take to Earn the Degree?
The Degree can be achieved in a little over 2 years!
- Contact Us for More Info
To learn more about our certificate, contact Jennifer Mac Donald at jmacdonald@mtsac.edu
- About this Degree