Histotechnology

Mission Statement
The Histotechnology program provides quality learning opportunities to prepare individuals for successful employment as Histotechnicians.

Application and Intent form

Health Evaluation & Criminal Background Check & Drug Screening
for Accepted Allied Health and Nursing Students: Click here for information

Completed and submitted a DCCC Application for Admission or Intent to Enroll in the Histotechnology program.
Graduated from high school or have an Adult High School Diploma or have passed the GED with an equivalency certificate, which meets the minimum requirements set by the State of North Carolina. Official high school transcript or copy of AHS Diploma/GED Certificate and official college transcripts, where applicable, must be on file in the Admissions Office.
Completed the College’s assessment process and achieved acceptable scores or have been exempted.
Signed and submitted the Statement of Understanding Concerning Acceptance for Clinical Training.
Physical and emotional health status compatible with the ability to provide safe care to clients and to obtain acceptance for clinical training.
Achieved grades of “C” or better in any required courses in the curriculum taken prior to entry.
A criminal background check and/or drug testing is required prior to participation in the clinical component.

Degrees, Diplomas, and Certifications Offered
through this Program and Suggested Course Sequences
Associate in Applied Science

Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Histotechnician (HT) do?
Hisotechnicians are licensed medical laboratory personnel who prepare tissue samples for microscopic diagnosis by a pathologist or Ph.D. These samples can be in the form of human and/or veterinary and in many cases provide the tools for proper management of disease processes. Much of the work done in research starts with the analysis of veterinary tissue samples.

What kind of positions can Histotechnicians attain?
A majority of HT professionals hold bench tech positions at a number of different employers. Advancement in the field though can eventually lead a histotechnician to a role of department supervisor/manager. An individual who wishes to advance their education to the level of a bachelor’s degree also has the ability to sit for the Histotechnologist (HTL) certification. As the field continues to expand with the onset of more specialized tests, Histotechs will continue to see an expansion of roles in the field.

Where do HTs work?
Many of the job opportunities for histotechnicians come from hospitals and other clinical and independent laboratories. However, any technician interested in forensics, crime, and/or coroner work, pharmaceutical and university research and biotechnology can find unique and rewarding careers within employers that specialize in these areas.

What are the prospects for employment nationwide?
A survey is conducted annually by the American Society for Clinical Pathology to gauge the vacancy rate for medical laboratory professionals. Nationally, the vacancy rate stands at about 10% and continues to climb as the standards for the profession are raised and the number of graduates from accredited programs remains fairly fixed.

Endorsement
This program has received support from across the state of North Carolina. Members of the Initial Advisory Committee represent Duke University Medical Center, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Carolinas Health Care System, and Glaxo Smith Klein, High Point Regional Health System, Novant Health and Lexington Memorial Hospital.

The Histotechnology program is accrediated by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL 60018-5119, (773) 714.8880.