Histotechnology

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 Professions offers the following program in Histotechnology:

Certificate: Histologic Technician (HT)

The School of Health Professions is currently seeking NAACLS accreditation for Histotechnologist (HTL) program. For information regarding prerequisites for the HTL program, please contact the Histotechnology faculty at mabailey@mdanderson.org.

The program is administered by:

Dean:  Michael J. Ahearn, Ph.D.

Program Director:  Mark A. Bailey, MA, HT(ASCP), HTL

Education Coordinator:  Samuel A. Agbe, Ph.D., HT(ASCP)

Senior Allied Health Educator: Toysha Mayer, MBA, HT(ASCP)

Clinical Coordinator: Leona Moore, HT(ASCP)

Medical Advisor: Stanley R. Hamilton, M.D.

Roster of Faculty

Objectives

The School of Health Professions 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 hospital laboratories. The rotations provide our students with clinical experience in routine and specialized procedures.

Careers as a histologic technicians and histotechnologists 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 and histotechnologists 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 microarrays. 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.

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.

Prerequisites for the Histologic Technician (HT) certificate program

• An Associate Degree (AS or AA) or a minimum of 60 semester hours (SCH)
• Courses taken must also include:
  • Chemistry 3 or 4 SCH
  • Biological Sciences 3 or 4 SCH
  • Mathematics (college algebra or higher) 3 SCH

Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 135 semester credit hours of course work. Within this requirement, students must complete the following at M. D. Anderson:

• At least 40 semester credit hours of advanced (3000/4000) course work
• At least 25% of the total semester credit hours required must be taken at M. D. Anderson

All prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, overall and in science classes.

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 from an accredited Texas College or University 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. Internet based TOEFL is now available and a total test score ranging from 74-78 with a minimum score of 18 in each section is required.

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

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.

Accreditation & Certification

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels.

• The Program in Histotechnology is a 12-month program that conforms to the standards published by the National Accrediting Agency for Clnical Laboratory Sciences located at 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018 (Phone: 773-714-8880)
• Upon successful completion of the 12-month curriculum of professional study, students are qualified to take the examination given by the ASCP Board of Registry and be certified as a histologic technician
• Awarded the certificate in regular commencement ceremonies

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

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 Professions programs.

Curriculum

This 12-month program provides intensive training in histotechnology. The lectures, demonstrations and rotations through clinical laboratories 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.

Course Descriptions

HS 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. Lab Fee of $30.00.

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 4141 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, decalcification, solution preparations and safety in the laboratory will be emphasized. Lab Fee of $30.00

HT 4142 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 in the microscopic identification of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, enzymes, amyloid, pigments and minerals. Students will prepare reagents to use in performing these special staining techniques. Laboratory management principles will also be discussed. Lab Fee of $30.00

HT 4412 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 and practical application of microtomy and routine staining. Students will learn to use 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. Lab Fee of $30.00

HT 4444 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 microscopic identification of connective tissue, muscle, neurological tissues, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, blood elements, pigments and minerals. The clinical significance of these stains in diagnoses will be discussed. Lab Fee of $30.00

HT 4445 Theory of Special Staining II (4 semester credit hours)

This course is a continuation of HT 4444 with emphasis on the theory underlying the principles and techniques of special staining as applied to microscopic identification of microorganisms. The clinical significance of these stains in diagnoses will be discussed, as well as developing critical thinking skills to solve problems encountered in performing special stains. Emphasis will be placed on registry review of special stains covered in HT 4444. Lab Fee of $30.00

HT 4521 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation I (5 semester credit hours)

This course consists of supervised beginning-level clinical practice in the histopathology student laboratories. Students will rotate through selected areas of the histopathology laboratory to include tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, routine and special staining.

HT 4522 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation II (5 semester credit hours)

This course involves supervised intermediate-level clinical laboratory practice at M. D. Anderson and affiliate sites in selected areas of histopathology to include frozen sectioning, tissue processing and embedding, decalcification, transmission electron microscopy, microtomy and routine and special staining.

HT 4523 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation III (5 semester credit hours)

This course involves supervised advanced-level clinical laboratory practice at affiliate sites in specialized areas of histopathology including frozen sectioning, special staining, in situ hybridization, microtissue arrays and cytotechnology.