Histology Technician Associate of Science

Affiliated with the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences

Program Overview:

Histology Technicians specialize in the techniques of preparing thin slices of tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist. They must properly accession, gross, fix, process, embed, cut, stain, and troubleshoot technical issues that arise in the laboratory setting. Histology technicians operate precision equipment and work with a variety of dyes and chemicals to make tissue abnormalities visible with a microscope. Knowledge of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology and medical terminology is essential for the professional histology technician.

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of the Histology Technician program at RCTC, students will achieve the following outcomes:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles of histotechnology.
• Describe the principles of electron microscopy, enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and cytology preparation.
• Identify tissue structures and related pathologic diseases.
• Analyze tissue structures for quality based on histological technique and staining method.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the critical reading and assessment of literature.
• Discuss the need for continued professional growth and development.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate the tools and instrumentation in histotechnology.
• Demonstrate entry level competency in all routine histological procedures.
• Demonstrate efficiency and timely completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Practice the principles of safety as a histology technician within the laboratory setting.
• Perform quality control measures to improve histologic results.
• Troubleshoot errors in histotechnology through systematic reasoning and problem resolution.
• Establish effective working relationships as a histology technician with other health care professionals.
• Practice professional and ethical conduct as a histology technician in the laboratory setting.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and mutual respect.
• Apply interpersonal communication skills sufficient to meet the needs of the patients and members of the healthcare team.
• Engage in a service initiative to promote the civic responsibility of healthcare workers in society.

Additional Information:

Students are admitted into this program through the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Histology Technician program. Admission is competitive. Students who pursue this pathway must complete 36 credits at RCTC prior to starting the MCSHS Histology Technician program. Admission and application requirements can be found at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Histology Technician program page.

HISTOLOGY TECHNICIAN AS

MINNESOTA TRANSFER CURRICULUM (MnTC)/GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (30 CREDITS)

GOAL 1: COMMUNICATION (7 CREDITS)

• ENGL 1109 – Introduction to Professional and Technical Communication (3 cr)
• ENGL 1117 – Reading and Writing Critically I (4 cr)

GOAL 3: NATURAL SCIENCES (12 CREDITS)

• BIOL 1217 – Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr)
• BIOL 1218 – Anatomy and Physiology II (4 cr)
• CHEM 1117 – General, Organic and Biological Chemistry I (4 cr) OR CHEM 1127 – Chemical Principles I (4 cr)

GOAL 4: MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL REASONING (3 CREDITS)

• MATH 1115 – College Algebra (3 cr)

GOAL 4: HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORALS SCIENCES (3 CREDITS)

• PHIL 1135 – Ethics (3 cr)

MnTC ELECTIVES (1 CREDITS)

Credits from MnTC Goal 1-10

PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS (30 CREDITS)

• HCOP 1610 – Medical Terminology: Body Systems and Diseases (2cr)
• CHEM 1118 – General, Organic and Biological Chemistry II (4 cr) OR CHEM 1128 – Chemical Principles (4 cr)

The following courses are offered through the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences:

• HIST 2001 – Histological Techniques I (4 cr)
• HIST 2002 – Histological Techniques II (5 cr)
• HIST 2003 – Microanatomy I (2 cr)
• HIST 2004 – Professional Development I (1 cr)
• HIST 2005 – Histochemical Staining (3 cr)
• HIST 2006 – Histology Clinical Rotation (4 cr)
• HIST 2007 – Microanatomy II (2 cr)
• HIST 2008 – Professional Development II (1 cr)
• HIST 2009 – Histology Enrichment (2 cr)

RECOMMENDED COURSE SEQUENCES

FULL-TIME

• Semester 1 (18 CREDITS): BIOL 1217, CHEM 1117 OR CHEM 1127, ENGL 1109, HCOP 1610, PSYC 2618, MnTC Elective Goal 1-10
• Semester 2 (18 CREDITS): BIOL 1218, CHEM 1118 OR CHEM 1128, ENGL 1117, MATH 1115, PHIL 1135
• Semester 3 (12 CREDITS): HIST 2001, HIST 2002, HIST 2003, HISTG 2004
• Semester 4 (12 CREDITS): HIST 2005, HIST 2006, HIST 2007, HIST 2008, HIST 2009

Course descriptions can be found at: RCTC course descriptions