Histotechnician 
 
The Histotechnician (HT) plays a critical role in preparing body tissues for microscopic examination by the pathologist. Histotechs must work quickly with precision and accuracy since the patient may be in surgery, awaiting the pathologist’s report to determine if their biopsy is cancerous or  not. Histotechnicians use specialized and sophisticated equipment to freeze and slice tissues, fix to slides for staining, and deliver to the pathologist who will form a diagnosis that will determine the extent of infiltration of the disease and suggest treatment.
 
The continued growth of the laboratory science profession is producing an increased demand for educated and motivated laboratory professionals.  Today, there are more jobs for histotechnicians than educated people to fill those jobs. The future long-term employment looks bright. The need is great everywhere throughout the country. 
  
Histotechnician On-Line
 
The Histotechnician Program at Harcum College offers an on-line curriculum to suit the needs of the working student, students who have obligations that prevent them from participating in a traditional classroom schedule, and students at a distance from the college. All of the required HT specific courses in the program are available on-line, as well as a majority of the required general education courses. The histotechnician program includes a 3-hour/week practicum lab each fall and spring semester where students experience “hands-on” learning of specialized procedures under the supervision of a certified histologist. The practicum labs are offered Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Students work with the Histotechnician Program Clinical Coordinator to determine a schedule. Harcum courses required in the HT curriculum, that are not currently offered on-line include:
 
BIO  103 Anatomy and Physiology 1
BIO  104 Anatomy and Physiology 2
BIO  205  Microbiology
CHE 111 General Chemistry 1
CIS 101   Intro to Microcomputers
                                                                 
These courses can be taken at any accredited college/university convenient to the student and transferred into the Histotechnician Program at Harcum College provided a minimum grade of “C” is earned 

Application Requirements

The  Histotechnician Program at Harcum College offers academic and clinical training to qualified students who wish to pursue a laboratory career and meet the following entrance requirements:

• Completed Harcum College application
• Official high school transcript
• Letter of Recommendation
• Minimum SAT score of 900 (required for students under age 24 only)
• Official college transcript(s), if applicable
• Completion of high school Biology (with lab), Chemistry, Algebra I, and Algebra II with a grade of C or higher
• Personal essay
• Physical examination
• Competency in the spoken English language. TOEFL scores are required for students for whom English is a second language
• An interview is recommended 

Essential Functions for Students in the Histotechnician Program 

Essential Functions represent the essential non-academic requirements of the program that students must master to participate successfully in the program and become employable. The following is a list of the technical abilities and skills applicants for admission into Histotechnician courses must possess:

• Manual Dexterity: ability to use hand(s) or prosthetic devices with coordination
• Fine Motor: ability to manipulate small objects with fingertip or adaptive devices
• Vision: ability to distinguish red, yellow, and blue colors; distinguish clear from cloudy and distinguish objects through a microscope
• Hearing: ability to adapt with assistive devices (i.e., phone receivers, hearing aid, etc.)
• Speech: ability to effectively communicate verbally in English
• Writing: ability to communicate effectively in the written form in English
• Reading : ability to read, understand, and follow directions printed in English  

Histotechnician FAQ’s
 
Is the Histotechnician Program accredited?
 
Harcum’s histotechnician program was successfully initiated in fall 2008 and currently follows all criteria set by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) located at 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119. The accreditation application is complete and pending final approval in September 2010.
 
Do I have to come to campus?
 
On-line distance students do not have to come to campus. All courses and practicum activities can be completed off-site at a location convenient for the student. However, we encourage students to participate in the graduation commencement ceremony to celebrate your success!
 
Can I transfer credits if I have taken courses at another college?
 
Yes, as long as a grade of  “C” is earned from an accredited college or university. Students with laboratory related work experience may also be able to earn college credit.
 
How long does it take to complete the Histotechnician on-line program?
 
The Histotechnician curriculum is designed to be completed in  2 years for students attending full time with no previous college credits or work experience. The Histotechnician Program Director can assist you in planning a timeline for completion if you want to be part-time, or have courses/work experience to transfer into the program.
 
Are there advantages in taking an on-line program?
 
Students who want to become a laboratory professional or increase their status at their present job, but do not have time for a traditional weekday course and lab schedule can complete their degree on-line. Also, you can become a certified histotechnician even if there are no schools in your area that offer this degree.
 
How can I get help with on-line courses if I need it?
 
On-line instructors are available for consultation through course discussion forums and email, Instructors communicate with students in this manner routinely throughout the course. Instructors are also available for phone consultation or in-person consultation (for area students) upon request. Academic and student life counselors are available to students if you simply need advice or someone to talk to concerning an issue. For information on on-line access to courses go here.
 
What is the Histotechnician Program admissions criteria?
 
Refer to the Application Requirements listed above to review the criteria for admission to the HT Program. There is no difference in application requirements for campus and distance students. An application is available on-line at http://www.harcum.edu/ApplyOnline.htm
 
When do classes start?
 
Courses in the Histotechnician run spring, summer  and fall semesters so there is always a convenient time to begin the program
 
When should I apply?
 
Apply early so there is no delay in processing paperwork (waiting for transcripts, letter of recommendations, applying for financial aid etc). Harcum offers rolling admissions, accepting students year round. It is advised to apply 3 months before the start of the semester you are planning to attend
 
To contact the office of admissions go to: http://www.harcum.edu/PS_ACD_Request_Information.aspx
 
 For information on financial aid go to: http://www.educationplanner.com/education_planner/default.asp?sponsor=2859
 
Will I become certified after attending Harcum’s Histotechnician Program?
 
All students who successfully complete the Histotechnician program requirements are eligible to sit for the certification exams offered  by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists (ASCLS). Graduation is not contingent upon passing the certification exam, but students are highly encouraged by faculty and clinical staff to become a certified HT.

Course Sequence 

Completion of the courses listed below is required for your degree.  Please refer to the current Harcum College catalog or Histotechnician Handbook  for course descriptions as well as course pre-requisites and/or co-requisites.  

First Semester

ENG 101	Composition I	3 cr.
HTN 101	Histotechnician Lecture I	3 cr.
HTN 111	Histotechnician Practicum	3 cr.
MTH 113	College Mathematics	3 cr.
IDS   101	Harcum 101	1 cr.
BIO   103	Anatomy & Physiology I	4 cr.
		17 cr.

Second Semester

ENG 102	Composition II	3 cr.
HTN 102	Histotechnician Lecture 2	3 cr.
HTN 112	Histotechnician Practicum 2	3 cr.
SOC 109	Intro to Sociology/Diversity	3 cr.
BIO  104	Anatomy & Physiology II	4 cr.
		16 cr.

Third Semester

HUM 101	Intro to Humanities	3 cr.
HTN  103	Histotechnician Lecture 3	3 cr.
HTN  113	Histotechnician Practicum 3	3 cr.
CHE  111	General Chemistry I	4 cr.
CIS   101	Intro to Microcomputers	4 cr.
		17 cr.

Fourth Semester

BIO  205	Microbiology	4 cr.
PSY  111	Intro to Psychology	3 cr.
HTN 104	Histotechnician Lecture 4	3 cr.
HTN 114	Histotechnician Practicum 4	3 cr.
HTN 105	Histotechnician Lecture 5	3 cr.
		16 cr.

Total number of credits required for degree:  66
Minimum grade point average required for graduation:  2.00 
  
 
Contact the Histotechnician Program Director at: dbroderick@harcum.edu

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