Histotechnology
Program Mission
In support of the mission of the College, the mission of the Histotechnology program is to transform lives by educating, engaging and empowering professionals enabling them to function as competent entry-level medical laboratory scientists and serve in leadership, educational, and technical roles within the profession.
The histotechnology program, with most didactic and lab instruction occurring at the off-campus instructional site of Atrium Health Mercy, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center, prepares professionals who are competent to perform a full range of histology laboratory techniques and who possess skills in clinical decision-making, regulatory compliance, education, management, quality assurance, and performance improvement wherever histology laboratory testing is researched, developed, or performed. The curriculum design integrates didactic lectures, student laboratory training, and supervised clinical experience in the histology laboratory of Carolinas Medical Center. The program consists of four courses of study including basic histotechniques, advanced histotechniques, histotechnology clinical and professional issues, which includes education, research design, and management. On average during the clinical rotation, the faculty to student ratio is one to two.
An estimated 85 percent of all diagnostic decisions are based on test results produced by laboratory professionals, including histotechnologists.
Philosophy
The histotechnologist must perform duties in an accurate, precise, timely, and responsible manner; advocate the delivery of quality laboratory services in a cost effective manner; work within the boundaries of laws and regulations; safeguard patient information with respect and confidentiality within the limits of the laws; pursue continuing education; and educate the healthcare community and the public concerning the importance of the histology laboratory.
Program Goals
The program's master curriculum prepares graduates with the psychomotor skills, cognitive knowledge, and affective attitudes necessary to function as competent entry-level histotechnologists.
The program's master curriculum is in compliance with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accreditation criteria.
The program's master curriculum prepares graduates with the cognitive knowledge necessary to successfully pass the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification exam.
Student Learning Outcomes
The Histotechnology program prepares professionals who perform, develop, evaluate, correlate, and assure accuracy and validity of laboratory testing and procedures and operations; direct and supervise anatomic pathology resources and operations and collaborate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Student learning outcomes include:
- Demonstrate cognitive knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories necessary to function as a competent entry-level histotechnologist.
- Demonstrate the affective behaviors necessary to function as part of the healthcare team.
- Demonstrate the psychomotor skills necessary to function as a competent entry-level histotechnologists.
NAACLS Entry-Level Competencies
More Information
For more information on the Histotechnology program, visit the Carolinas College information portal.
Program Information
- Accreditation
- Tuition and Fees
- View Histotechnology Academic Calendar (PDF)
- Goals and Outcomes
- Admissions Reference Form (PDF)
- Histotechnology Program Brochure (PDF)
- How to Apply to Histotechnology