Histologic Technician
TO REGISTER, CONTACT:
- Phone: 443.412.2498
- Email: HTOnline@harford.edu
An integral part of the laboratory team, histologic technicians are responsible for cutting, staining, and preparing tissue samples for pathologists to review to diagnose disease or conduct research.
The online Histologic Technician program at Harford Community College prepares students for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) National Certification Examination. Students must have at least an associate degree to participate in this program and sit for the exam to become certified as Histology Technicians (HT).
Program Overview
CREDENTIAL EARNED
Students completing this program are prepared to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) National Certification Examination.
THE PROGRAM
This program is online with on-demand start times. Students must complete and submit
all required documents, fees, and payments to be considered. Admission to the program
is subject to approval by the Program Director. Once approved, students receive an
acceptance email to begin the course.
Students should plan to spend an average of 20 hours per week on the combination of coursework and clinical assignments.
CLINICALS
Clinical work is required and is designed to complement online instruction. Students
perform clinical assignments in the laboratory where they work and need a certified
HT or HTL to be their educational clinical mentor. The mentor reviews work, verifies
the completion of assignments, and keeps the student on track. Clinical assignments
are mailed to the online instructor for grading.
REQUIREMENTS
Students must be incumbent workers currently employed by a laboratory and hold an
associate degree (in any subject) or higher from a regionally accredited college.
They must have successfully completed high school and/or college-level biology and
chemistry. Online courses are available for Biology and Chemistry to meet these requirements.
COST
The cost of the program is $5,495.00. Payment is due at the time of registration.
Textbooks are required and not included in the cost of the program.
CONTACT
HTOnline@harford.edu
443.412.2498
ACCREDITATION
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N River Road, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
773.714.8880
info@naacls.org
RESOURCES
NSH Online Exam Simulator
Admissions Packet
Complete this form to receive the Admissions Packet.
Course Required
Histologic Technician
This is a self-paced course so actual completion times will vary but students must
complete the program in 10 months. Under special circumstances students may apply
for an additional two-month extension. After twelve months, students are required
to reapply and pay additional fees to continue in the program.
Harford Community College's Histologic Technician Program has consistently met the NAACLS benchmark for Graduation and ASCP Certification Rates.
What can I do when I complete this program?
Upon completion of this program, you'll have the skills needed to be a histologic technician working in a histology laboratory.
Licensing
Please be advised that each state has the power to set its own practices. National certification does not guarantee licensure in any individual state.
New York State Residents
At this time, we are not able to accept students who intend to work in New York due
to the state's licensure requirements. For more information, refer to the New York State Education Department and Special Note to New York Residents.
Florida Residents
Students from Florida are required to obtain a Clinical Laboratory Trainee License.
For more information, refer to Special Note to Florida Residents.
Texas Residents
Residents of Texas should know that Harford Community College is not regulated in
Texas under Chapter 132 of the Texas Education Code. For more information, refer to Special Note to Texas Residents.
Program Outcomes
Certification Exam Data
| YEAR | TAKEN | PASS | FAIL | HARFORD PASS RATE |
| 2019 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 47.82% |
| 2020 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 50.00% |
| 2021 | 15 | 13 | 2 | 86.67% |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 100.00% |
| 2023 | 29 | 24 | 5 | 82.71% |
| YEAR | TOTAL ENROLLED | RETENTION | WITHDRAWLS | ATTRITION RATE | RETENTION RATE |
| 2019 | 14 | 12 | 2* | 14.28% | 85.70% |
| 2020 | 22 | 18 | 4* | 18.18% | 81.81% |
| 2021 | 38 | 31 | 7* | 18.91% | 81.58% |
| 2022 | 56 | 48 | 8 | 14.29% | 85.70% |
| 2023 | 47 | 47 | 0 | 0% | 100% |
*Withdrawls were at student's request.
Employment of Histologists (Year and Outcome)
> 2019 = 100.00%
> 2020 = 100.00%
> 2021 = 100.00%
> 2022 = 100.00%
> 2023 = 100.00%