Histotechnology is the specialty devoted to the application of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques in biologic and chemical sciences in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination.

Certificate Offered

The School of Health Sciences offers the following program in Histotechnology:

The programs are administered by:

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Roster of Faculty

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Objectives

The School of Health Sciences provides services and programs that enhance the general education and development of students while supporting the patient care, research, education, and prevention missions of M. D. Anderson.

Students enrolled in the Histotechnology program are offered a 12-month course conforming to the standards published and monitored by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

The year of study consists of lectures, demonstrations, and rotations through the hospital laboratories in the Department of Pathology. The rotations provide our students with clinical experience in routine and specialized procedures.

A career as a histologic technician can be both challenging and rewarding. Histotechnology is the specialty devoted to the application of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques in biologic and chemical sciences in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. The diagnosis rendered by a pathologist provides essential information for attending physicians in the treatment and care of their patients.

The primary goal of the Histotechnology program is to provide the community with entry level histologic technicians who are prepared to perform a wide variety of routine as well as more advanced laboratory techniques, which include electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization and tissue micro-arrays. Our graduates are also prepared to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, medical schools, veterinary medicine, research, private independent laboratories, industry, and local, state and federal agencies.

The job market is excellent, with positions available throughout the country in both urban and rural settings.

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Requirements for Admission

Consideration for admission to the Histotechnology program is not based on race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, age, or disability. Students who have disabilities that require accommodation should discuss these with the program director early in the year. Documentation may be required to verify certain disabilities.

The following are the minimum admission requirements for this program:

• One semester course in Mathematics

• One semester course in Biological Science

• One semester course in Chemistry

Overall grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

Separate application to the program, including submission of official transcripts, three letters of recommendation using the appropriate forms, a personal interview, and a site visit

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - All applicants must provide proof of successful assessment of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Applicants who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree are exempt from TSI. Proof of an applicant's readiness to enroll in college level coursework will be determined by the Registrar's Office based upon review of official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Applicants from countries where English is not the native language may be required to take the TOEFL. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based version is required.

All information must be received by April 1 in order to be considered for admission to the upcoming class.

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Nonacademic Requirements

In addition to the nonacademic requirements for all students (see Admission policy), each student in the Histotechnology program should meet the following standards:

Demonstrate the manual dexterity required to process specimens, stain and coverslip slides, and to carry out all aspects of histological procedures.

Operate/manipulate a microtome and other laboratory instruments and equipment.

Sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Move freely and safely to clinical laboratories for practicum experience.

Lift up to 30 pounds of weight.

Reach laboratory countertops and shelves.

Demonstrate visual acuity corrected to 20/20 and visual perception with respect to depth and color.

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Board of Registry Certification

A person who holds an associate degree from an accredited college or university or equivalency and meets the program prerequisites may be admitted as a student in the Program of Histotechnology.

Upon successful completion of the 12-month curriculum of professional study, the graduate is:

• Awarded the certificate in regular commencement ceremonies

• Qualified to take the examination given by the ASCP Board of Registry and be certified as a Histologic Technician

The awarding of the certificate from the School of Health Sciences is not contingent upon passing any national certification.

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Special Requirements

Students are expected to maintain high academic performance and display appropriate professional and ethical behavior during all phases of their education and training. The academic policies of the Histotechnology program are consistent with those of other School of Health Sciences programs.

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Curriculum

This 12-month program provides intensive training in histotechnology. The lectures, demonstrations and rotations through clinical laboratories in the Department of Pathology provide experience in routine and specialized procedures. The program maintains an extensive collection of books, microscopic and projection slides for use in lectures and independent study.

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Course Descriptions

HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to establish a foundation and set parameters of professional practice for health care professionals. The emphasis will be on developing the background for the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning, ethical obligations in health professional-patient relationships and just allocation of scarce health care resources.

HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to create an awareness of ethnocentrism and a beginning understanding of cultural similarities and diversity. It provides the student with knowledge of the concepts of cultural relativity, cultural integration, and variation in cultural values, organization and institutions.

HT 2110 Medical Terminology I (1 semester credit hour)
This course is an introduction to medical terminology. Emphasis is on word roots, prefixes, suffixes, spelling, and analysis of unfamiliar terms. Additional background information on the anatomy that relates to various body systems will be discussed.

HT 2111 Medical Terminology II (1 semester credit hour)
This course is a continuation of Medical Terminology as described under HT 2110 with emphasis on basic anatomy and physiology of body systems.

HT 2131 Human Histology I (1 semester credit hour)
This course consists of the systematic study of cellular components as well as the grouping/organization of tissues into major “organ” systems. Microscopic identification of the morphology of cells, tissues and organ substructures will be emphasized.

HT 2132 Human Histology II (1 semester credit hour)
This course is a continuation of HT 2131.

HT 2133 Human Histology III (1 semester credit hour)
This course is a continuation of HT 2132.

HT 2141 Applied Chemistry - Laboratory Operations I (1 semester credit hour)
In this course, students will study the applications of laboratory operations. This course will review the metric system as utilized and applied to histotechnology. General staining considerations and safety in the laboratory will be emphasized.

HT 2142 Applied Chemistry - Laboratory Operations II (1 semester credit hour)
This course is a continuation of HT 2141 with emphasis on the laboratory operations as applied to chemistry of special staining techniques for carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes, amyloid, pigments and minerals.

HT 2412 Theory and Practice of Histotechniques (4 semester credit hours)
This course consists of the principles of routine histologic techniques and the basic principles, components, and use of instruments in the histopathology laboratory. The students will acquire basic knowledge in the theory of fixation and processing/embedding for routine and electron microscopy. Students will also acquire basic knowledge in the theory of decalcification, microtomy, knife sharpening, and routine staining using various chemicals and equipment. Preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and comparison of types of equipment are also discussed.

Principles and establishment of quality control methods and maintenance of records are presented. Current federal regulations dealing with accreditation of laboratories and safety procedures are also discussed.

HT 2444 Theory of Special Staining I (4 semester credit hours)
This course studies the theory underlying the principles and techniques of special staining as applied to connective tissue, muscle, neurological tissues, carbohydratres, lipids, proteins, blood elements, pigments and minerals. The clinical significance of these stains in diagnoses will be discussed.

HT 2445 Theory of Special Staining II (4 semester credit hours)
This course is a continuation of HT 2444 with emphasis on the theory underlying the principles and techniques of special staining as applied to microorganisms, special cells and tissue. The clinical significance of these stains in diagnoses will be discussed.

HT 3254 Immunohistochemistry (2 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive course that deals with the fundamentals of immunohistochemistry as applied to the theory and practical techniques in histopathology. The students acquire basic knowledge of how immunology is applied in the development of immunohistochemistry reagents and techniques.The course provides hands-on experience in performing immunohistochemistry staining procedures using different detection systems to localize and visualize reactions in histological and cytologic preparations. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical significance of diagnostic and prognostic indicators used in immunohistochemistry techniques. Troubleshooting and standardization of reagents are emphasized in this course.

HT 3521 Histotechniques Practicum I (Clinical Rotation) (5 semester credit hours)
This course consists of supervised beginning-level clinical practice of selected phases of tissue processing and embedding, microtomy, routine and special staining.

HT 3522 Histotechniques Practicum II (Clinical Rotation) (5 semester credit hours)
This course involves supervised intermediate-level clinical practice in selected areas of histopathology to include frozen sectioning, tissue processing and embedding, decalcification, transmission electron microscopy, microtomy, and routine and special staining.

HT 3523 Histotechniques Practicum III (Clinical Rotation) (5 semester credit hours)
This course involves supervised advanced-level clinical practice in specialized areas of histopathology including frozen sectioning, special microtomy, special staining, neuropathology, in situ hybridization, microtissue arrays and cytotechnology.

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