Histological Technician: Certificate

Program Mission

The mission of the Histological Technician program is to develop New York State-licensed pathology laboratory professionals. Educational experiences rely on sound and innovative pedagogical approaches, unique technical training, and robust clinical practice. We serve as a pathway for direct employment in the statewide healthcare community. Our mission aligns with the institutional mission by creating access to inclusive, diverse educational experiences through our fully-online certificate and associate degree programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Competent in collecting, processing, and analyzing tissue specimens and other substances
Demonstrate proper lab safety techniques, and biohazard and chemical handling.
Perform histological processing of tissue specimen and other specimens including: preservation, fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining paraffin-embedded tissue
Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits
Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs
Apply principles of safety
Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and with the public
Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their jobs and patient care

Histological Technicians work closely with pathologists and play an integral role in aiding patient diagnosis. They use their knowledge of tissues, pathological conditions and precision equipment to process, section and stain patient specimens. The precision, quality and timeliness of the specimen preparation directly impacts diagnosis and ultimately patient care.

If you are fascinated by the complex way the body works and you like to work with your hands, if you have an inquisitive mind and have always been fascinated by medical research and the solutions it pursues, then Histological Technician may well be the career for you.

Program Notes

The online Histological Technician Certificate Program at SUNY Broome Community College is a one-year, licensure preparing, clinically-based curriculum leading to the Certificate. Students complete their studies on a part-time basis (less than 12 credit hours per semester). Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for New York State Licensure immediately upon graduation and national certification examinations using Route 2, which requires one year of full-time acceptable experience in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research) laboratory in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited laboratory within the last 10 years.

In lieu of campus-based student laboratories, Online HT students complete a set of preclinical competencies each semester at an affiliated hospital within their geographical area. At the end of their studies, students will also complete clinical training (320 hours) in hospital laboratories affiliated with the program to provide hands-on experience as well as excellent training for immediate employment. In order to be eligible for NYS Licensure as a Histological Technician, the student must have earned or are in the process of earning an associate’s degree with the proper distribution and number of science courses required to meet NYS licensure requirements.

In order to participate in clinical rotations, which are required to graduate from this program, students are required to submit proof of a current physical and up-to-date required vaccinations, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Specific instructions about required documentation and deadlines are provided by the Program Director.

The certificate program accepts students annually during the Fall semester.