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 514SMolecular Biology & Biochemistry of the Cell3.0
MFSP 551SHuman Function3.0
MFSP 552SStructure of the Human Body3.0
MFSP 553SHuman Structure Lab1.0
MHPP 500SAdvanced Histotechnology4.0
MHPP 502SHistotechnology Capstone Project3.0
MHPP 503SHistotechnology Practicum9.0
MLAS 545SFundamentals of Histology3.0
MSPA 510SLaboratory Management2.0
MSPA 520SMedical Terminology3.0
MSPA 540SHistotechnology I3.0
MSPA 560SMedical Ethics2.0
MSPA 580SMedical Microbiology I4.0
MSPA 590SLeadership Skills for the Medical Profession3.0
Total Credits46.0

 Sample Plan of Study

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MLAS 545S3.0MFSP 551S3.0MHPP 503S9.0
MSPA 520S3.0MHPP 500S4.0MSPA 510S2.0
MSPA 540S3.0MHPP 502S3.0MSPA 560S2.0
MFSP 552S3.0MSPA 580S4.0 
MFSP 553S1.0IHS 514S3.0 
MSPA 590S3.0  
 16 17 13
Total Credits 46

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