The Histotechnician (HT) is responsible for processing surgical tissues, biopsies, and autopsy specimens for microscopic review by pathologists. Illnesses such as cancer or serious infections can often be detected by the arrangement of cells in a tissue sample.
The Histotechnology Program of Elgin Community College provides a quality education which integrates general education and professional courses with hands-on experience to prepare graduates with the technical skills needed to work in a variety of histology laboratories. Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Histotechnology or hold an associate degree or higher and complete the Vocational Specialist Certificate in Histotechnology, will be eligible to sit for the national histotechnician /histotechnologist certification exam administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The Histotechnology Program is accredited by:
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 773-714-8880
naacls.org
Entrance Requirements
1. Proof of High School diploma or High School equivalency
2. Successful completion with a grade of C or better in within 10 years:
- BIO 110 or equivalent transfer credit.
- Algebra: MTH 098 or MTH 099, or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
- Geometry: MTH 097 or satisfaction of other placement criteria.
General education courses required for degree completion (may be taken before the program enrollment) must be completed with a C or better, math and science courses must be completed within 10 years.
To be eligible for the VS certificate applicants must hold an associate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The degree must include 12 credit hours of chemistry and biology (combined). If these courses are not included within the degree, they must be taken in addition to the degree.
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| |
| CMS 210 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| |
| |
| |
| BIO 245 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO 246 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 265 | Microbiology | 4 |
| CHM 112 | Elements of Chemistry: General | 5 |
| CHM 170 | Elementary Organic Chemistry | 5 |
| MTH 112 | College Algebra | 4 |
Preference is given to candidates who are legal residents of Community College District 509, Elgin Community College. Working in district does not meet this requirement. Qualified applicants from other districts may be considered if space is available. Go to Joint Agreements to learn more.
Admission to the program is selective. For more information, please see admission requirements.
Students must complete all required courses with grades of C or better to be eligible to sit for the histotechnician certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Prior credits in biology, chemistry, or mathematics must have been earned within the last 10 years. Students must provide their own uniform and transportation to and from all clinical sites.
Students applying to health professions programs must complete a background check and drug screen in order to be part of the health profession’s program. Students must complete these requirements in order to complete required clinical training (internships). Students demonstrating a positive background check or drug screen will be denied admission to any health professions program.
Health professions students will be required to update their drug test, TB test and flu vaccination on an annual basis. Some clinical affiliates also require a repeat background check. Students demonstrating a positive drug test will be dismissed from the health professions division.
The standards, policies, and procedures of the histotechnology program are published in the histotechnology student handbook. Copies of the student handbook may be obtained online at Histotechnology Program.
Histotechnology Courses
All HST courses numbered 100 and above may be applied to the major field and elective requirement for the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.
HST 111 Histotechnology Topics I (3)(2,2)
This course will provide an introduction to the histotechnology profession. Units covered will include: fixation, processing, staining, instrumentation and safety. Students will also become acquainted with standard practices and operations in a histology lab. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program and come to an information session .
HST 113 Histotechnology Topics II (1)(1,0)
This course will cover management issues related to the histology laboratory. Students will prepare design a QA/QI program, write policy and procedures, prepare resumes, and review for the certification exam. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIT) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program Program and come to an information session .
HST 121 Embedding and Cutting I (4)(1,6)
This course will provide an introduction to the practical skills of the histotechnology profession. The focus of the study will be on the hands-on use of histology equipment and techniques used in the preparation of slides. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program and come to an information session .
HST 123 Embedding and Cutting II (4)(1,6)
This course will provide additional opportunities to improve the practical skills of the histotechnology professional. The focus of study will be on the hands-on use of histology equipment and techniques used in the preparation of slides from paraffin and frozen sections. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program and come to an information session .
HST 125 Special Stains (3)(2,2)
This course will cover the theory and practice of special stains in the histology lab. Units include: carbohydrates and amyloid tissue, connective and muscle tissue, nerve tissue, microorganisms, pigments, minerals, and cytoplasmic granules. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program and come to an information session .
HST 131 Histotechnology Practicum I (2)(0,6)
This course will provide the student with supervised experience in a histology lab. Students will practice performing all the routine responsibilities of a histotechnician including: grossing, processing, embedding, cutting, staining, and interacting with other histology personnel. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program and come to an information session .
HST 133 Histotechnology Practicum II (2)(0,6)
This course builds on the skills learned in HST 131 and will provide the student with additional supervised experience in a histology lab setting. Histotechnician students will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the workflow in a histology lab and practice techniques in a new clinical setting. (1.2) Proficiency Credit Available (2 EIST) Pass/No Credit Not Available
SPECIAL NOTE:Students enrolled in this program are required to have the following: 1) criminal background check, 2) drug test, 3) lab tests to prove immunity to common illnesses, 4) TB test, 5) health insurance, 6) uniform, 7) fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Explore the Histology Program and come to an information session .
