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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Admissions & Getting Started

    • What are the prerequisites for admission to the Histotechnician (AS) degree program?
      There are no prerequisites for admission to the Histotechnician Associate of Science (AS) degree program. However, several Histotechnology (HT) courses have individual prerequisites that must be completed before enrolling in those specific courses.
    • Is there a waitlist for the program?

      No. Because there is no formal application process for the Histotechnician AS degree, there is no program waitlist. Students enroll through the regular Mt. SAC registration process.

      Please note that the introductory HT courses fill quickly, and course waitlists often reach capacity.

    • How many students are admitted each year?
      Histotechnology (HT) courses are limited to 24 students per section. While general education and science courses may accommodate more students, HT courses have a maximum enrollment of 24.
    • When does the program begin?
       The Histotechnician program begins each fall semester. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in HT 1 and HT 2 during their first semester, as these courses provide the foundation for the program and are prerequisites for subsequent HT courses.

 

Coursework & Transfer Credit

    • Can I take the required courses at another college?

      Yes. Required courses may be completed at another accredited college or university if they are determined to be equivalent to the corresponding Mt. SAC Histotechnology program requirements.

      Official transcripts and, in some cases, course descriptions or syllabi may be required to evaluate course equivalency.

    • Can I take ANAT 10A to satisfy the anatomy requirement?

      No. ANAT 10A does not satisfy the anatomy requirement for the Histotechnician program.

      ANAT 10A is a 4-unit anatomy course with 54 laboratory hours, whereas ANAT 35 is a 5-unit course with 108 laboratory hours and substantially more histology content. Anatomy courses completed at another institution must be equivalent to Mt. SAC's ANAT 35 to meet the program requirement.

    • Do I need to complete all of the science courses before starting the program?

      No. You do not need to complete all required science courses before beginning the Histotechnician program.

      However, individual HT courses have prerequisites. For example, a chemistry course is required to enroll in HT 2, although it maybe taken concurrently if you meet the course enrollment requirements.

      Students are encouraged to work with a counselor to develop an educational plan that fits their goals.

    • What science courses are required for the Histotechnician AS degree?

      The program includes required coursework in:

      • Anatomy
      • Biology
      • Chemistry
      • Microbiology

      These science courses are degree requirements, not admission prerequisites. If completed at another college, they must be determined equivalent to the required Mt. SAC courses.

    • How do I know if my courses from another college will transfer?

      Official transcripts will be evaluated by Mt. SAC. Additional documentation, such as course descriptions or syllabi, may be requested to determine course equivalency.

      Students are encouraged to have transfer coursework evaluated before enrolling in advanced HT courses.

 

Program Format

    • Can I attend the program part-time?

      Yes. Many students complete the program on a part-time basis.

      Because HT courses are offered in a prescribed sequence and many are available only once each year, attending part-time will extend the time required to complete the degree.

    • Are Histotechnology courses offered online?

      Histotechnology is a laboratory-based profession. While some lecture courses may be offered online or in a hybrid format, laboratory courses require in-person attendance to develop the technical skills needed for clinical practice.

      For students continuing into the Bachelor of Science program, many upper-division courses are offered online, with the exception of those that include a laboratory component.

    • How long does it take to complete the program?

       Students who begin in the fall and follow the recommended full-time sequence typically complete the Associate of Science degree in approximately two years.

      Students attending part-time or spreading coursework over additional semesters will require more time to complete the program.

    • How many hours per day are devoted to classes and clinical rotations? Will I be able to work while enrolled?

      The time commitment varies depending on the semester and clinical rotation schedule.

      Class and clinical hours may begin early in the morning, vary by rotation site, and require additional time outside of class for studying and preparation. As a result, maintaining full-time employment may be difficult. Limited part-time or flexible employment may be possible, provided it does not interfere with attendance, coursework, or clinical requirements.

 

Clinical Education

 

Degrees & Certification

 

General Information