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.
Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology (HTL)
The program is administered by:
- Dean: Shirley Richmond, Ed.D.
- Program Director: Mark A. Bailey, M.A., HTL(ASCP)CM
- Education Coordinator: Toysha Mayer, M.B.A., HT(ASCP)
- Senior Health Professions Educator: Hilda Hinojosa, BS, HTL(ASCP)cm
- Medical Advisor: Stanley R. Hamilton, M.D.
Roster of Faculty
| Degree and School | Teaching Assignments | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark A. Bailey HTL (ASCP)CM Assistant Professor | M.A., Texas A&M University |
| |
Toysha Mayer
| M.B.A. University of Phoenix |
| |
| Shaun Caldwell Assistant Professor | M.S., Weber State University |
| |
| Jun Gu Instructor | Ph.D., TUI University |
| |
| Vicki Hopwood | M.S., The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences |
| |
| Peter Hu Associate Professor | Ph.D., TUI University |
| |
| Stephanie Hamilton Assistant Professor | Ed.D., University of Houston |
| |
| Kimberly Murray Instructor | M.A., University of Phoenix |
| |
Adjunct faculty members include: | |||
| Diana Anderson Lecturer | M.A., University of Phoenix |
| |
| Mary Ann Ball Lecturer | M.S., University of Texas at Tyler |
| |
| Colleen Gallagher Associate Professor | Ph.D., The Union Institute and University |
| |
| Harry R. Gibbs Associate Professor | M.D., Harvard Medical School |
| |
| Stanley R. Hamilton Professor | M.D., Indiana University School of Medicine |
| |
| Cynthia Maurstad Adjunct Instructor | Ph.D., University of Louisiana, Lafayette |
| |
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 MD 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)
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone: 773-714-8880
Fax: 773-714-8886
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.
Application deadline for 2011-2012 is April 1.
The Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology (HTL) Degree Program
Applicants to the Histotechnology program pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must satisfy the following requirements for admission:
All prerequisite coursework must be from an accredited college or university. The applicant must have satisfactorily completed all undergraduate courses listed prior to beginning the course of study; these courses must be acceptable as credit for a Bachelor of Science degree and cannot be survey courses.
Up to 15 hours may be obtained from Credit by Exam with no more than 8 hours accepted for science courses.
Applicants must have completed all core curriculum courses required by the Texas Education Code and all biology and chemistry courses required by the
Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-541-4999
Fax: 312-541-499
All prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, overall and in science classes.
Prerequisites for the two-year Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology (HTL) program:
A minimum of 60 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include courses described in Parts A and B below.
Part A. The Texas Core Curriculum
Forty-two semester credit hours (SCH) that must include the following specific courses:
| Course Area | Required Semester Hours |
|---|---|
| Communication (English rhetoric/ composition) Must include 6 hours of rhetoric/composition ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, ENGL 1311, ENGL 1312, ENGL 2311, ENGL 2314, ENGL 2315 or equivalent | 6 |
| Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts Must include 3 hours in visual and performing arts -- courses with prefixes: ARTS, DANC, MUAP, MUEN, MUSI, DRAM or equivalent 3 hours in “Humanities,” including literature, Philosophy, modern or classical language/literature, Upper Division Foreign Language and cultural studies | 6 |
| Mathematics - See Part B* for required courses 3 hours in College Algebra -- MATH 1314 or higher or (STATS) MATH 1342, MATH 1442, MATH 2342, MATH 2442 or PSYC 2317 or equivalent basic statistics course | 3 |
| Natural Sciences - See Part B* for required and recommended courses with the prefix BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS or other natural sciences. | 12 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Must include: 6 hours of U.S. History (may include Texas History) either HIST 1301 & HIST 1302, HIST 1301 & HIST 2301 or HIST 1302 & HIST 2301 Must include: 6 hours of political science including the U.S. Constitution and Texas Constitution -- GOVT 2301 & GOVT 2302 or GOVT 2301 & GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2301 & GOVT 2306 or GOVT 2305 & GOVT 2306 Must include 3 hours of social/ behavioral science -- Courses with prefixes ANTH, ECON, CRIJ, GEOG, PSYC, SOCI and SOCW | 15 |
| Total Texas Core Curriculum SCH | 42 |
*Part B
A minimum of 18 additional SCH are required for entry into the two-year Bachelor of Science program for Histotechnology.
*Required courses:
- 3 SCH in college mathematics, or statistics
- 22 SCH in Biology and Chemistry
Prerequisites for the ONE-YEAR Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology (HTL) program:
A minimum of 90 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include courses described in Parts A and B below
Part A for the one-year program: The Texas Core Curriculum – 42 SCH NOTE:the Texas Core Curriculum required Natural Sciences may also be used to fulfill part of the one-year candidate’s prerequisites.
*Part B for the one-year program: An additional 48 SCH are required that must include:
- A minimum of 18 SCH of upper level division courses (300, 3000, 400, 4000).
- A minimum of 28 SCH in Biological and Chemistry Sciences. To satisfy this requirement, courses may be selected from . General Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Histology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
Prerequisites for the Post-Baccalaureate (HTL) Certificate Program*
*This program will not be offered after August 2011. (Please contact the program office for clarification: 713-794-5877)
- Bachelors Degree (B.S. or B.A.)
- Courses taken must also include
- Biological Sciences and Chemistry, 30 combined SCH.
NOTE: the Histologic Technician (HT) certificate program has not been offered since August 2010
All prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, overall and in science classes. Up to 15 hours may be obtained from credit by exam of which no more than eight hours may be accepted for science courses.
Graduation requirements for Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology
Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours of course work. Within this requirement, students must complete the following at MD 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 MD Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Professions
All prerequisite courses must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, overall and in science classes. Up to 15 hours may be obtained from credit by exam of which no more than eight hours may be accepted for science courses.
Application to the program includes 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 April 1 in order to be considered for admission to the upcoming class.
Nonacademic Requirements
For a description of the non-academic technical standards requirements for admission, visit the “Admissions"section of the Student Catalog: Policies and Procedures Admissions Policies
Accreditation and Certification
The University of Texas MD 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 Clinical 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.
Affiliations
The Program in Histotechnology has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions in Houston, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified histotechnologist.
Current affiliations:
- Baylor College of Medicine
- The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Administration Hospital
- The University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Medical School
- Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital
- North Cypress Medical Center
.
Curriculum
The Junior Year - provides didactic preparation to meet the requirements of the senior year and also to meet the curriculum requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology.
| Junior Year - BS-HTL Candidates | |
|---|---|
| Course | Hours |
| HS 3101 Basis Techniques Lab | 1 |
| HS 3102 Molecular Techniques Lab | 1 |
| HS 3254 Immunohistochemistry | 2 |
| HS 3300 Clinical Immunology | 3 |
| HS 3320 Medical Genetics | 3 |
| HS 3330 Pathology of Body Fluids | 3 |
| HS 3340 Research Methods | 3 |
| HS 3410 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences | 4 |
| HS 4100 Issue in Health Care Ethics | 1 |
| HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence | 1 |
| HS 4300 Pathophysiology for Health Professions | 3 |
| HS 4510 Medical Microbiology | 5 |
| Total | 30 |
| The Senior Year - The 12-month senior and professional year provides intensive training in histotechnology for BS-HTL, Certificate-HTL candidates. The lectures, demonstrations and rotations through clinical laboratories provide experience in routine and specialized procedures. The program maintains an extensive collection of reference books, microscopic slides and projection slides for use in lectures and independent study. | |
| Course | Hours |
| CT 4102 Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques I | 1 |
| CT 4111 Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques II | 1 |
| GT 4160 Genetic Technology Journal Club I | 1 |
| GT 4161 Genetic Technology Journal Club II | 1 |
| HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics * | 1 |
| HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence* | 1 |
| HS 4303 Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| HT 4141 Applied Chemistry - Laboratory Operations I | 1 |
| HT 4142 Applied Chemistry - Laboratory Operations II | 1 |
| HT 4412 Theory and Practice of Histotechniques | 4 |
| HT 4445 Theory and Practice of Special Stains II Capstone Registry Review | 4 |
| HT 4545 Theory of Special Stains I | 5 |
| HT 4621 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation I | 6 |
| HT 4622 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation II | 6 |
| HT 4523 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation III | 5 |
| Total | 41 |
| * Required courses for students who have only entered this program at the Senior level. | |
| Course list for the Histologic Technician (HT) Certificate One-Year Program (Not offered since August 2010) | Hours |
| HS 3254 Immunohistochemistry | 2 |
| HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics | 1 |
| HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence | 1 |
| HT 2110 Medical Terminology I | 1 |
| HT 2111 Medical Terminology II | 1 |
| HT 2131 Human Histology I | 1 |
| HT 2132 Human Histology II | 1 |
| HT 2133 Human Histology III | 1 |
| HT 4141 Applied Chemistry - Laboratory Operations I | 1 |
| HT 4142 Applied Chemistry - Laboratory Operations II | 1 |
| HT 4412 Theory and Practice of Histotechniques | 4 |
| HT 4544 Theory and Practice of Special Stains I | 5 |
| HT 4445 Theory of Special Stains II Capstone Registry Review | 4 |
| HT 4621 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation I | 6 |
| HT 4622 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation II | 6 |
| HT 4523 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation III | 5 |
| Total | 41 |
Course Descriptions
CT 4102 Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques I (1 semester credit hour)
The course consists of the basic study and practice of techniques used for handling cytological specimen preparation and fixation and staining of specimens for cytological study, including compliance with laboratory safety, biohazard precautions and HPV testing.
CT 4111 Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques II (1 semester credit hour)
The course consists of the advanced study and practice of techniques used for handling specimen preparation, fixation and staining of specimens for cytological study including compliance with laboratory safety and biohazard precautions. Special techniques include Thin-Prep processing, Autoctye preparation, Ficoll-Hypaque technique, cell block preparation and special stains (Gomori's methenamine silver and Diff-quick stains).
GT 4160 Genetic Technology Journal Club I (1 semester credit hour)
Seminar-based course covering topics in cytogenetics and related fields.
Syllabus
GT 4161 Genetic Technology Journal Club II (1 semester credit hour)
Seminar-based course covering topics in cytogenetics and related fields.
HS 3101 Basic Techniques Laboratory (1 semester credit hour)
An introduction to basic clinical laboratory skills common to all diagnostic programs. Emphasis on proper use of pipettors and micropipettors, sterile techniques, laboratory safety, chemical storage and proper waste disposal, calibration and use of balances, centrifuges and spectrophotometers, serial dilutions, making buffers from stocks, microscopy and slide making. (Admission to Program)
Syllabus
HS 3102 Molecular Techniques Laboratory (1 semester credit hour)
A study of the laboratory skills involved in transporting, preparing and reporting final results of specimens that include blood, bone marrow and solid tissue samples. The course will provide participants with hands-on laboratory experience in: performing molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, purification and quantification; preparing and viewing PCR products and DNA fingerprints via gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation. (Admission to Program)
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.
Syllabus
HS 3300 Immunology (3 semester credit hours)
This course focuses on the basic concepts in immunology. General properties of immune responses, cells and tissues of immune system, lymphocyte activation and specificity, effector mechanisms, immunity to microbes, immunodeficiency and AIDS, autoimmune diseases, transplantation. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)
Syllabus
HS 3320 Medical Genetics (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the role of genetics in medicine, mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicity of disease and genetic mapping. A comprehensive review of the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and pedigree analysis is incorporated as well. (Admission to Program)
HS 3330 Pathology of Body Fluids (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and the formation, elimination and composition of urine. Various body fluids (CSF, Synovial, Plural, Serous, etc.) will be study and associations made with various disease states. Interpretation of urinary and body fluids elements, chemical assays and the correlation with normal and abnormal physiology. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)
Syllabus
HS 3340 Research Methods (3 semester credit hours)
The Research Methods course will introduce the basic language and concepts of empirical research with emphasis on the applicability of research methodology in the area of clinical laboratory sciences. Students will have opportunity to learn how to search the peer-reviewed journal databases available to them through the Research Library. They will then critique and review their references and learn how to make an outline and write a literature review on their assigned topic. Curriculum will include a blend of lectures, group work, presentation by guest researchers and development of group research poster. (Admission to Program)
HS 3410 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences (4 semester credit hours)
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. Included is a review of the principles of mathematics and statistics used in clinical laboratories. Course presentation includes introduction to the operation of a laboratory information system. Course delivery is on-line, interactive, self-paced. (Admission to Program)
Syllabus
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.
Syllabus
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.
Syllabus
HS 4300 Pathophysiology (3 semester credit hours)
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge in pathophysiology in preparation for professional studies in the health sciences. Topic covered includes central concepts of pathophysiology of the cells and tissues and alterations on organs and systems with an emphasis on carcinogenesis. Appropriate diagnostic and treatment procedures are covered.
Syllabus
HS 4303 Advanced Pathophysiology (3 semester credit hours)
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge in pathophysiology in preparation for professional studies in the health sciences. Topic covered includes central concepts of pathophysiology of the cells and tissues and alterations on organs and systems with an emphasis on carcinogenesis. Appropriate diagnostic and treatment procedures are covered.
Syllabus
HS 4510 Medical Microbiology (5 semester credit hours)
Study of the utilization of morphological, biochemical, serological, disease inducing characteristics for microorganism, fungi, mycobacterium and virus identification. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities.
Syllabus
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.
Syllabus
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.
Syllabus
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.
Syllabus
HT 2132 Human Histology II (1 semester credit hour)
This course is a continuation of HT 2131.
Syllabus
HT 2133 Human Histology III (1 semester credit hour)
This course is a continuation of HT 2132.
Syllabus
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
Syllabus
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
Syllabus
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
Syllabus
HT 4445 Theory of Special Stains II Capstone Registry Review (4 semester credit hours)
This course is a continuation of HT 4544 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 4544. Lab Fee of $30.00
Syllabus
HT 4544 Theory of Special Stains I (5 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
Syllabus
HT 4621 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation I (6 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.
Syllabus
HT 4622 Histotechniques Laboratory Rotation II (6 semester credit hours)
This course involves supervised intermediate-level clinical laboratory practice at MD 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.
Syllabus
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.
Syllabus
