Associate of Applied Science in Histologic Technician

Do you find the television program CSI: Crime Stories interesting? Are you committed to participating in the development of new therapies for patients in need? Has a diagnosis of cancer ever affected you or someone you know? Then the field of Histotechnology may be the right choice for you.

Becoming a Histologic Technician (HT) allows an individual to participate in patients’ lives without patient interaction. As a certified laboratory professional, an HT prepares human and veterinary tissue samples for microscopic diagnosis by a doctor. This career will not only change your life but the lives of many others.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Histologic Technician Degree Program provides students with academic and practical training for job-entry skills in anatomic pathology.

Students participating in this program must have a clinical affiliate to fulfill the laboratory/clinical components required for graduation. The affiliate can be a current affiliate or one which is willing to participate as an affiliate of the Albany State University - Darton College of Health Professions Histologic Technician program. The classroom portion is completed online with course content, quizzes, and chats offered via the web.

The histology program provides clinical training opportunities for students with many hospitals and clinics. Clinical assignments are made by the program faculty with approved affiliates. Students must be prepared to travel to their designated training facility.

Histologic Technician Admission

Option I:

1. Admission to Albany State University
2. Prior college degree.
3. Coursework in Biology would preferably be Anatomy & Physiology. Acceptance of coursework will be at the discretion of the Program Director.
4. Program application required.

Option II:

1. This option is an alternative way to gain admission into the program.
2. Admission to Albany State University
3. Completion of all learning support courses.
4. Completion of College Algebra, Chemistry, and Biology with a “C” or higher.
5. Completion of at least 35 hours of the general education requirements prior to admission.
6. Applicants must have a minimum overall college GPA of 2.5.
7. Program application required.

Applications are available through the Program Director or in the Albany State University ASU West Campus Health Sciences office. Applications are also available online at; https://www.asurams.edu/academic-affairs/dchealthprof/docs/HT-Application.pdf

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester Deadline: Early Acceptance is May 15 & Deadline is June 30th.

Spring Semester Deadline: Early Acceptance is September 30 & Deadline is November 30th.

Selection

The Program Director will review the completed folders once applicants meet the general admission criteria for the program. Students for the program are selected from the applicants according to the following criteria:

• GPA (cumulative or last 35-hrs)
• Observation hours observed in a Histology Laboratory setting.
• Appropriate professional recommendations received (2)
• Clinical Affiliation (online only)
• Completed HT application.
• Applicants with the highest point accumulation are selected until the class positions are filled. The class size is 20 for the fall semester and 10 for the spring semester.

Additional Requirements

1. Students must submit a copy of a recent physical exam before program acceptance.

2. Students are required to meet the health requirements of the clinical affiliate to which they are assigned.

3. Students must have documented immunization for Hepatitis B.

4. Liability insurance is required upon enrollment in the program.

5. To satisfactorily complete the curriculum and to develop the required skills the students must have:

Visual acuity (with or without corrective lenses)

• to observe and perform technical procedures;

• to identify and differentiate specimens, reagents, and equipment;

• be able to see color

• to read laboratory manuals, procedures, policies, specimen labels, and materials pertinent to professional practice:

Physical ability to manipulate laboratory instruments and equipment in a manner consistent with operational procedures;

Manual dexterity to operate laboratory equipment and use tools in a manner consistent with operational guidelines.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences