Offering Campus
Argosy University, Twin Cities
Program Overview
Argosy University offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Histotechnology degree program. The mission of this program is to teach students to work as healthcare professionals, to interact with other healthcare professionals and patient samples in a professional and ethical manner, to develop the best possible technical skills in histology, and to demonstrate at all times the utmost respect and concern for the well-being of the patients they serve.
Graduates will be prepared to provide healthcare services as histotechnicians. Histology is the study of cells, tissues, and body systems. Histotechnicians prepare tissue specimens for examination and diagnosis by pathologists. These tissue sections enable the pathologist to diagnose body dysfunction and malignancy.
Track I
Students with an earned secondary degree or equivalent (GED) may apply to Track I of the AAS in Histotechnology degree program. The Track I program of study requires the satisfactory completion of 67 semester credit hours that includes 21 credit hours of general education, 40 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 6 credit hours of clinical training. Full-time students following the recommended Track I course sequence can complete the program in as little as 22 months. The maximum allowable time frame to complete the Track I program requirements based upon full-time status is 33 months.
Track II
Students with an earned bachelor’s degree may apply to Track II of the AAS in Histotechnology degree program. The Track II program of study requires the satisfactory completion of 54 semester credit hours that include 3 credit hours of general education, 45 credit hours of program-specific courses, and 6 credit hours of clinical training. Full-time students following the recommended Track II course sequence can complete the program in as little as 18 months. The maximum allowable time frame to complete the Track II curriculum based upon full-time status is 27 months. In addition to the stated credit hour requirements, students enrolled in the AAS in Histotechnology degree program—Track II are required to have successfully completed the following college level courses: general chemistry, anatomy, algebra, and ethics. These requirements may be satisfied through transfer credit. Otherwise, students are required to complete the following courses during the first semester with a grade of “C“ or better:
Program Learning Outcomes
Outcome One: Psychomotor / Cognitive Domain
Students will demonstrate entry level competency in histology lab procedures appropriate for patient diagnosis.
1.1 Accurately and proficiently embed tissue and understand the principles of microtomy and produce slides of quality and quantity for patient diagnosis.
1.2 Understand the principles of staining and perform various stains of quality for patient diagnosis.
1.3 Understand the principles of processing and perform processing protocols.
1.4 Understand the concepts related to patient sample accessioning and understand and implement the concepts of quality control and safety in a lab setting.
Outcome Two: Cognitive Domain
Students will employ critical thinking skills in the decisions associated with laboratory work.
2.1 Evaluate quality in preparation of histology procedures and results; fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining preparations
2.2 Assess preparations and make changes or recommendations in accordance with the assessment.
Outcome Three:Affective Domain
Students will demonstrate positive relationship skills, including effective communication skills, respect for others, and awareness of the impact of their actions on others.
3.1 Apply active listening communication skills in interpersonal and organizational scenarios to establish empathetic and professional relationships.
3.2 Apply self-assessment skills to prepare for life-long learning and professional growth.
3.3 Demonstrate professional conduct, acceptance of constructive criticism,and interpersonal communication skills with patients, health care professionals, and the general public.
3.4 Practice within legal and ethical boundaries and demonstrate responsibility to meet the healthcare needs of patients.
3.5 Develop self-reliance, personal integrity, responsibility and independent problem-solving abilities to adapt to changing environments and demonstrate flexibility when encountering new, unusual, or stressful situations.
3.6 Demonstrate the skills, attributes and behaviors necessary to function as an effective health care provider and as a member of the professional medical community.
Certification Exams
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) was founded in 1928 by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), six years after the Society was founded in 1922. The BOC is a separate certifying body within the organizational structure of the ASCP. The AAS in Histotechnology degree program is designed to prepare graduates to take the ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Board of Certification exam.
Track I
Students who successfully complete this program will be eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician (HT) Board of Certification exam. Completion of the program requirements does not guarantee passage of the ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Board of Certification exam. Requirements for taking and passing certification exams are subject to change without notice to Argosy University. The most current information regarding the ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Board of Certification exam can be found at www.ascp.org.
Track II
Students who enter the program with a bachelor’s degree that includes 30 credit hours in biology, chemistry or both, complete the program in 54 credit hours are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist (HTL) Board of Certification Exam. Completion of the program requirements does not guarantee passage of the ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Board of Certification exam. Requirements for taking and passing certification exams are subject to change without notice to Argosy University. The most current information regarding the ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Board of Certification exam can be found at www.ascp.org.
Admission Requirements
Track I
Entrance requirements include one of the following:
- Proof of high school graduation or GED
- ACT composite score of 18 or above, or
- Combined Math and Critical Reading SAT score of 850 or above, or
- Passing score on Argosy University Entrance Exam
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies , “English Language Proficiency Policy.”
Track II
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a nationally accredited institution approved and documented by the faculty and dean of the College of Health Sciences, or an appropriately certified foreign institution.
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies , “English Language Proficiency Policy.”
All applications for admission to the AAS in Histotechnology degree program must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative will help interested students to complete the following documentation:
- Student Information Form
- Personal interview
- Completed Application for Admission Form
- Application fee (non-refundable, except in California and Arizona. In the state of Arizona, the application fee is refundable if the application is canceled within three business days of the applicant signing the Enrollment Agreement.)
- Proof of high school graduation or GED, or proof of earned college degree
- SAT or ACT score and pre-approved English language proficiency exam score (if applicable)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended
- Clinical Training Agreement
- Technical Standards Form
- Health forms
Allied health professionals perform a wide range of physical tasks and assignments, and they must accept certain risks that are inherent in healthcare delivery. In applying for admission to Argosy University, prospective students are given information regarding these tasks, and applicants agree that they are capable of and willing to perform these tasks and assume these risks.
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the program of study
- Completion of all program-specific courses with a grade of “C” or 75% or better except for HTT 250 , HTT 260 HTT 270 , HTT 280 , and HTT 290 where a passing grade of “B-” or 80% or better is required
- Completion of all General Education courses with a grade of “C” or better
- Successful completion of all clinical competencies
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration
- Students must also be current on all financial obligations in order to receive official final transcripts.
AAS in Histotechnology Degree Program—Track I Course Requirements
The AAS in Histotechnology degree program— Track I requires the satisfactory completion of 67 semester credit hours according to the sequence outlined below.
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education (21)
- Program-Specific (40)
- Clinical Training (6)
Clinical Training Requirement
Clinical Histotechnology (HTT 290 ) is a four to five-month competence-based internship. Students are in-residence in a pathology laboratory during this phase of training. A sample list of clinical training sites is available upon request. Students earn 6 credit hours for completing all required competencies satisfactorily.
AAS in Histotechnology Degree Program—Track II Course Requirements (Bachelor’s Degree Required)
The AAS in Histotechnology degree program — Track II requires the satisfactory completion of 54 semester credit hours according to the sequence outlined below.
Program Credit Hour Distribution
- General Education Requirement (3)
- Program-Specific (45)
- Clinical Training (6)
Clinical Training Requirement
Clinical Histotechnology (HTT 290 ) is a four to five-month competence-based internship. Students are in-residence in a pathology laboratory during this phase of training. A sample list of clinical training sites is available upon request. Students earn 6 credit hours for completing all required competencies satisfactorily.
