Histotechnology (BS Degree BS0962)

Natural Sciences Division
Degree BS0962
The Bachelor of Science in Histotechnology Program at Mt. SAC will prepare students for a career in medical diagnostics by training them to prepare and evaluate tissues on a macroscopic and microscopic level and by developing strong supervisory and leadership skills necessary for high level management positions in a laboratory setting. In addition to performing complex tissue specimen preparations in the laboratory, students will complete courses in biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, cell and molecular biology, advanced histotechnology, histology, cytology, pathophysiology, anatomic pathology, advanced microscopy, and medical ethics. Clinical rotations will provide opportunities to apply these skills, while courses in laboratory management, leadership, and professionalism will prepare them for supervisory and management positions. Completion of the associate degree in Histotechnician Training and the bachelor’s degree in Histotechnology are required to be eligible for certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (HTL Exam). The bachelor’s degree requires the completion of either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education (CSU-GE) lower division pattern. In most cases, the student will be required to take additional GE classes to meet this requirement. All courses designated as an upper division major requirement must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major.

Bachelor of Science - Lower Division Major Requirements

Bachelor of Science - Lower Division General Education Requirements

Bachelor of Science - Upper Division Major Requirements

Bachelor of Science - Upper Division General Education Requirements 

Bachelor of Science - Degree Requirements

Eligibility for the Histotechnology (HTL) Program

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria and completion of Cellular and Molecular Biology for Histotechnicians (HT 25) prior to the start of the bachelor’s degree program.

1. Current Mt. SAC students enrolled in AS in Histotechnician Training.
   1. Completion of all core and HT coursework.
2. Graduates of the Mt. SAC Histotechnician Training Program.
3. Applicants from other colleges/universities.
   1. Must have completed a NAACLS accredited HT or HTL program, with a minimum of an associate degree.

The bachelor’s degree requires the completion of either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education (CSU-GE) lower division pattern. In most cases, the student will be required to take additional GE classes to meet this requirement.

Students must complete the Histotechnician AS degree to be eligible for ASCP HT or HTL certification.

Steps for applying for the bachelor’s degree in Histotechnology

There is one application period each year.  December 1-Feb 1

1. Get a Mt. SAC ID number (if you don’t already have one):
   1. ​To do this, Apply to Mt. SAC Now! This can take up to two weeks to process. You need a Mt. SAC ID number in order to apply to the HTL program. If you are a current or returning student and already have an ID number, you do not need to apply again.  Students who have not enrolled for two consecutive primary semesters must reapply to Mt. SAC.
   2. Update contact information through Admission and Records by following this link prior to starting the bachelor’s degree application or through your student portal.
   3. All communication will be via your Mt. SAC student email only. Always check your portal for your Mt. SAC email only. Forwarding your email to your phone, personal email, or other electronic devices is not recommended.
2. Review the Multicriteria Screening
3. Preparation of Required Documents
   1. Using the multicriteria screening form as a guide, compile all required supporting documentation. All documentation must be uploaded in PDF format.
4. Counseling Verification Appointment
   1. Applicants will be required to meet with a counselor to verify the supporting documents. All official transcripts must be on file with the Admissions & Records Office prior to this appointment.
5. Apply Online During the Open Application Filing Period
   1. The online link for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Histotechnology will only be available during the application period. Applications will only be accepted during the time frames listed above. Applications cannot be reopened once submitted.  Prior to submitting your application, you must review all uploaded documents to verify that the documents are legible and clear. Unreadable or inaccurate documents will result in the rejection of your application. Complete unofficial transcripts scanned into the application must have applicant name and all pages of transcripts.
   2. Submitted application information must be complete, correct, and not withholding any facts or circumstances. All information given is subject to verification. At any time during the application process or during enrollment in the nursing program, discovery of falsification, misrepresentation, or omission of facts are sufficient reason for dismissal.
6. Timeline for Fall Semester application period
   1. Application link open December 1 through February 1.
   2. HTL Admission Committee Review occurs March through April.
   3. E-mails to candidates chosen for Fall semester sent by May 1.
7. Attend orientation.  Dates and times to be determined.

Upper Division Student Tuition

Students admitted into the Bachelor Degree Program will pay an additional Upper Division Tuition Fee of $84 per unit for upper-division coursework. 

Accreditation

Program Level Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:

1. demonstrate competence and skill in all aspects associated with and practiced in a contemporary histotechnology laboratory.  
2. prioritize and perform laboratory testing
3. troubleshoot instrumentation problems and resolve-staining inconsistencies
4. organize, supervise, and manage laboratory personnel and effectively manage a histotechnology laboratory
5. implement quality control standards
6. correlate clinical data with laboratory findings
7. maintain accurate and complete records and communicate effectively orally and in writing with members of the health care team
8. apply safety and government regulations and standards as applied to the histotechnology laboratory
9. demonstrate professional conduct and engage in continuing education and professional development