Histotechnologist Clinical Laboratory Program

Consideration for the program is determined by assessing each student in the following areas; scholastic aptitude, academic achievement, personal qualities and the physical and emotional health necessary to fulfill the objectives of the program.

Student must have previously earned or are successfully completing their baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in biology or chemistry OR a baccalaureate degree from a college or university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within or in addition to the baccalaureate degree.

Priority will be given to students from affiliated colleges and universities and current employees.

Check back soon for application for the 2025-2026 program.

1. A cover letter indicating why the prospective student would like to attend
2. A completed application returned by the deadline
3. 3 letters of recommendation
4. A resume
5. A copy of their college or university transcripts sent directly from the university
6. The non-refundable application fee of $35 must accompany the application

All applicants who meet the qualifications will be asked to come in for an interview with the program director before admission to the program. Students are required to carry health insurance.

The IRMC Histotechnologist Clinical Program accepts 2 students into the program per year to allow for 1:1 mentoring. This small class size is intended to foster an atmosphere of individualized attention and the best possible learning environment for our students.

The clinical year runs for 12 consecutive months from July 1 to June 31. Students can expect 8 hours per day of instruction Monday through Friday. Approximately 2,000 hours of instruction is included with holidays and weekends off. Study hours outside of lecture and clinical lab should be expected and planned for by the student.

Class times will rotate from 5:30 am - 2 pm, 6 am - 2:30 pm, and 6:30 am - 3 pm.

Observed holidays include: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Total credits hours are based on student lab, and clinical lab hours.

Curriculum:

• Safety- General Safety Practices of the Laboratory
• Fixation
• Processing and Instrumentation
• Embedding of Tissue and Specimen Orientation
• Microtomy
• Laboratory Operations- Management
• Staining- Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Staining
• Carbohydrates
• Connective Tissue/Muscle
• Nerve
• Microorganisms
• Pigments/Minerals/Cytoplasmic Granules
• Immuno-histochemistry
• Cyto-preparatory Techniques and Grossing
• CLIA, COLA and CAP guidelines

Histology Technologist HTL Clinical Goals:

Knowledge - The technologist must have understanding of the scientific principles of the laboratory testing, technical, procedural and problem-solving aspects. The technologist must enforce safety regulations, uses statistical methods and applies business and economic data in decision-making. The technologist must also recognize the importance and the comprehension of proper test selection and possess numerous troubleshooting capabilities.

Technical Skills - The technologist performs and interprets standard, complex and specialized test.

Problem Solving and Analytical Decision Making - Evaluates and solves problems related to the collection and processing of specimens for analysis and differentiates technical, instrument and physiologic causes of problems or unexpected test results.

Communication - Provides administrative and technical consulting services on laboratory testing. The technologist develops acceptable criteria, laboratory manuals, guidelines, reports and research protocols.

Teaching and Training Responsibilities - The technologist provides instruction in theory, technical skills, safety protocols and application of the laboratory test procedures. The technologist provides continuing education for the laboratory personnel and maintains technical competence.

Supervision and Management

Tuition is $10,000 for the program and may be paid either in full at the beginning of the semester or by two equal payments of $5,000 each. One payment made by the beginning of the first semester and the second by the first day of the second semester.

Tuition reimbursement may be available to qualifying students upon successful completion the program, passing the ASCP BOC registry and being offered a position at IRMC with a three year commitment.

Students are not guaranteed an offer of employment.

Additional expenses include:

1. $35.00 non-refundable application fee
2. $150.00 non-refundable registration fee.
3. $500.00 non-refundable fee to hold the student’s seat in the class due upon acceptance.

Textbooks and supplies are obtained through IRMC at no cost.

All fees are subject to change.