2022-2023 Catalog [Aug. 2022-Aug. 2023]
Histologic Technology (2262) (A.S.)
|
|
Return to: Programs
Associate in Science
This is a Limited Access program.
Mission/Purpose
The mission of the Associate in Science degree in Histologic Technology (AS-HT) is to provide access to an affordable, high-quality educational program designed to train and educate competent, ethical, and confident entry-level clinical laboratory professionals in partnership with affiliated healthcare institutions through classroom and online learning. The program focuses on comprehension and mastery of the histotechnology body of knowledge in conjunction with clinical skill development.
The Program
This is a Limited Access program in which students are evaluated for acceptance based on the completion of the required prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher.
Selected histologic technology courses are formatted for web-based and hybrid delivery; therefore, computer skills with Internet access is a program requirement. Distance students are welcome.
Students may find it difficult to work during the practicum phase of the education (last two semesters) due to the number of required contact hours per week. Students will be expected to perform in a professional manner during the campus and practicum phases and must have excellent coordination skills. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in the histologic technology courses and complete all campus-based courses with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher before entering the practicum phase of the program.
A minimum grade of C or higher must be achieved in all professional coursework.
The Career
Histologic technology (HT) professionals develop skills that reach into a variety of fields. Most commonly these highly skilled individuals will be used in hospitals or private pathology laboratories, playing an integral role in preparing tissue specimens for the microscopic diagnosis of disease. Additionally, histology, the science of demonstrating a multitude of cellular characteristics, will be found utilized in medical, pharmaceutical and industrial research settings. The field of histologic technology is rapidly advancing as more and more sophisticated diagnostic tools are being developed. For additional information about a rewarding career as a histologic technician or technologist, write the National Society for Histotechnology, 3545 Ellicott Mills Dr., Ellicott City, MD 21043 or visit nsh.org.
Rapidly advancing technology and new, sophisticated tools have made this science more accessible. Our graduates are usually offered immediate employment by the hospital or medical center where they train. However, your skills can also be applied to research in human disease, forensics, veterinary pathology or marine biology.
Upon completion of coursework, Florida State College at Jacksonville does not guarantee employment or salary in a given field of study. Any jobs or salaries mentioned are given as examples of potential employment not a representation of guaranteed income. Graduates may need to seek employment outside the local area.
Internships/Externships/Rotations/Fieldwork
Two of the three semesters involve clinical rotations in area hospitals, research labs and medical laboratory clinics.
Certification/Licensing
This program enables the graduate to sit for the ASCP Histotechnician (HT) certification exam. Students who pass the HT (ASCP) exam will be eligible for Florida licensure in histology through the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel, Department of Health at floridasclinicallabs.gov.
Program Accreditation
The Florida State College at Jacksonville Associate in Science Degree Histologic Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) at 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5119, (773) 714-8880, naacls.org.
Application Procedure
Acceptance into the Histologic Technology program is based upon academic performance and other criteria. To be considered as a qualified applicant, individuals must complete the following by the application deadline:
- Gain admission to Florida State College at Jacksonville.
- Complete 14 credits of college credit prerequisite coursework which includes:
- Complete the Histologic Technology program application.
A physical examination will be required upon acceptance to the program.
Prior to contact with patients or patient specimens, students must furnish proof of both childhood and hepatitis B immunizations. Contact program director for additional information.
Note: Admissions preference is given to fully qualified candidates who have met all entrance criteria, including the satisfaction of prerequisite courses. Should seats remain available in the program cohort, applicants who fulfill admissions criteria prior to the start of the program will be considered next, followed by those with the highest number of completed prerequisite courses. Qualified applicants with pending prerequisite course requirements will receive a conditional acceptance letter outlining the remaining criteria for full program admission.
Application Deadline(s)
The application deadline is May 15 of each year with classes starting in the fall term.
Need More Information? Contact:
(904) 646-2300
More Information Online
- Additional Program Information (including Essential Functions): fscj.edu/2262
|