Histologic Technician Program
The Associate Degree Histologic Technician Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Successful completion of the program leads to an associate in applied science degree and eligibility to sit for the HT(ASCP) certification exam.
Histologic Technicians are important members of health-care provider teams. A Histotechnician prepares human or animal tissue samples for microscopic examination.
They treat tissue with special dyes and chemicals to help pathologists diagnose disease, conduct research or teach other medical personnel. Histotechnicians work under the direction of a Histotechnologist—who has a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Histotechnicians can work in: Hospital laboratories, medical research laboratories, Veterinary or marine pathology Dermatopathology, Pharmaceutical and Forensic laboratories.
Jefferson State’s HST Program prepares students for entry into the field of laboratory medicine in five semesters at a reasonable tuition cost. The program consists of basic academic and HST courses. HST courses are taught both on and off campus and include a clinical practicum in one of several hospitals and reference laboratories in the area.
Students may apply for admission to Jefferson State during any semester and register for general education requirements and prerequisites for the HST Program.
Students admitted to the program are expected to have and maintain a satisfactory level of health, including freedom from chemical dependency and communicable diseases. All students must submit to drug and background checks. Proof of required immunizations will also be required. Students must show evidence of hospitalization insurance prior to clinical rotation. Students will also be required to purchase malpractice insurance coverage at entry into the program.
Program Contact Information
Melissa Freeman
MLT/HST Program
Coordinator (205) 856-6031
[email protected]
Division Office (205) 983-5225
Enrollment Services (205) 856-7704
Testing Office (205) 856-7896
Financial Aid (205) 856-8511
Admission to College & Program
- Complete college admission application (AL 101)
- Request all official transcripts from high school & colleges attended as indicated in college admission. These must be received and evaluated by HST application deadline.
- New college students should take the placement test for English and Math. Please contact the testing office (205-856- 7896) to inquire about testing dates and times.
- Complete the application to the HST Program. Students are admitted to the HST Program each fall semester. Applications are accepted through July 1 for fall admission.
Students should have a grade on transcript for ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher and BIO 201 to be eligible for admission. BIO 220 and CHM 104 must be completed by the end of the second semester. - Maintain overall GPA of 2.5 or above on all coursework required of the degree to be considered for admission.
- The Histologic Technician courses will be completed over the next four terms. Full-time or part-time status depends on the number of prerequisite courses that have been completed for the degree.
General Education Requirements
Credit Hours
- ENG 101 English Composition I 3
- Math Elective – MTH 100 or higher 3
- BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4
- BIO 220 General Microbiology 4
- CHM 104 Intro to Chemistry or higher 4
- PSY 200 – General Psychology 3
- Speech 106 or 107 3
- Humanities & Fine Arts Elective 3
- HST Coursework
- HST 110 Intro to Histotechnology 3
- HST 120 Histology 5
- HST 130 Histotechniques 5
- HST 140 Histochemistry 5
- HST 210 Histopathology 4
- HST 220 Histotechnology Clinical 8
- HST 230 Professional Issues 3
Before enrolling in the HST 220 and 230 courses, students must have completed all of the required general education and HST courses with a grade of “C” or higher and have an overall 2.0 GPA.
