Histotechnology MS
Major: Histotechnology
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 46.0
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.1007
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-2011; 29-2012
About the Program
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies offers the Master of Science in Histotechnology program. This one-year (12-month) program combines academic studies with a clinical practicum to prepare the students to perform complex tissue specimen preparations in the histology laboratory. The program provides advanced training and is designed to enable graduates to work as highly qualified histotechnologists under the supervision of pathologists.
Coursework includes histology, biochemistry, advanced histotechnology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, medical ethics, laboratory management and leadership skills. In addition to the course work, students complete a three-month practicum designed to allow them to apply the knowledge and techniques learned during their didactic courses in a clinical hospital setting. The practicum allows the student the opportunity to perform routine as well as specialized histotechnology techniques under the supervision of a qualified histotechnologist.
Program Accreditation
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) has established national standards for histotechnology training programs. The standards include both didactic course work and clinical experiences necessary to properly educate a histotechnologist. The Master of Histotechnology program at Drexel University College of Medicine is accredited by NAACLS. Visit the NAACLS website for more information about the professional activities of this organization.
Professional Certification
The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) has established a national certification program for histotechnologists. Graduates of the Master of Science in Histotechnology program are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for histotechnology. Visit the ASCP BOC website to read more about the certification program and the professional activities of this organization.
Professional Affiliation
The National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) is a nonprofit organization committed to the advancement of histotechnology, its practitioners and quality standards of practice through leadership, education and advocacy. Visit the NSH website to read more about the professional activities of this organization.
Career Opportunities
Histotechnologists are employed in community hospitals, academic centers such as medical schools and university hospitals, private pathology laboratories, medical research centers and government hospitals. Additional opportunities are available in clinical and industrial research, veterinary pathology, marine biology and forensic pathology.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, visit the College of Medicine's Master of Science in Histotechnology web page.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor's degree in a biological or allied health science, with a cumulative GPA of approximately 2.75, is the minimum requirement for acceptance into the Master’s Degree Program. Prerequisite course work includes mathematics, English composition, general chemistry, organic and/or biochemistry and biological science. Microbiology, anatomy and histology are recommended but not required.
All candidates will be required to have a formal interview with the director prior to final acceptance. Deadline for submission of the application is the second Friday in June of the year in which the students plan to enroll.
Candidates for admission must provide the following credentials:
- Completed application form
- Resume
- Official Transcripts from all schools attended or where coursework was attempted or taken
- Three letters of evaluation
- Self-assessment essays:
A. Discuss personal goals, conditions, or career aspirations that motivate you to pursue graduate study at Drexel University.
B. What are your most important accomplishments?
C. What do you expect to achieve through this program?
The application and supporting material must be received no later than the program deadline date.
Additional Information
For further information, contact:
Chris Mignogna
Master of Histotechnology, Program Director
Drexel University College of Medicine
Chris Mignogna christopher.mignogna@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
215-662-7275
Kelly M. Lozier, MS, PA(ASCP)CM
Clinical Faculty and Clinical Coordinator
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies
60 N. 36th Street, Room 10W32
Health Sciences Building
Philadelphia, PA 19104
267.359.2536
kmm599@drexel.edu
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | ||
| IHS 514S | Molecular Biology & Biochemistry of the Cell | 3.0 |
| MFSP 551S | Human Function | 3.0 |
| MFSP 552S | Structure of the Human Body | 3.0 |
| MFSP 553S | Human Structure Lab | 1.0 |
| MHPP 500S | Advanced Histotechnology | 4.0 |
| MHPP 502S | Histotechnology Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| MHPP 503S | Histotechnology Practicum | 9.0 |
| MLAS 545S | Fundamentals of Histology | 3.0 |
| MSPA 510S | Laboratory Management | 2.0 |
| MSPA 520S | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
| MSPA 540S | Histotechnology I | 3.0 |
| MSPA 560S | Medical Ethics | 2.0 |
| MSPA 580S | Medical Microbiology I | 4.0 |
| MSPA 590S | Leadership Skills for the Medical Profession | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 46.0 | |
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| MLAS 545S | 3.0 | MFSP 551S | 3.0 | MHPP 503S | 9.0 |
| MSPA 520S | 3.0 | MHPP 500S | 4.0 | MSPA 510S | 2.0 |
| MSPA 540S | 3.0 | MHPP 502S | 3.0 | MSPA 560S | 2.0 |
| MFSP 552S | 3.0 | MSPA 580S | 4.0 | ||
| MFSP 553S | 1.0 | IHS 514S | 3.0 | ||
| MSPA 590S | 3.0 | ||||
| 16 | 17 | 13 | |||
| Total Credits 46 | |||||
Program Level Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to properly account for and process submitted tissue(s) including appropriate specimen accessioning and selection of the correct processing cycle to ensure adequate fixation and tissue type.
- Demonstrate the ability to orient, embed and document tissue pieces in each cassette.
- Demonstrate the ability to use a precision microtome including selecting the correct micron setting for specific tissue types and stains to be performed and using proper cutting technique.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining including proper slide drying technique, choosing appropriate staining times and selecting appropriate tissue for quality control.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform special stains including preparing staining solutions, selecting appropriate control tissue and performing special stains according to procedure.
- Demonstrate mastery of lab management skills such as basic administrative, budgetary, supervisory, and teaching duties. These duties include administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, procedures and policies, maintenance of slides and blocks for appropriate length of time, proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and maintaining the cleanliness of all areas of the surgical pathology laboratory.