Certificate in Histotechnology
Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis

Program Director: Hoye

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Structure of the Program Histotechnology didactic course teleconferences are delivered once per week during the day; practicum course work is done at qualified clinical sites and can be completed at any time approved by the supervisor in the student’s laboratory.

Design of Professional Curriculum Students employed in laboratories that qualify as clinical affiliate sites are accepted into the Histotechnology Program to begin the course of study in the fall semester. The curriculum consists of didactic and practicum courses delivered by distance learning to students pursuing on-the-job training in histology laboratories. The 120-minute interactive audio-teleconference lectures are delivered once per week and are accompanied by related assignments that require approximately 3.5 hours per week for completion. The practicum course modules are designed to be accomplished in approximately 16 hours per week; however, as part of on-the-job training, students’ full-time technical training at their place of employment is assumed. The Histotechnology Program is designed to:

• Provide educational and clinical experiences in all areas of histologic technology to prepare students for beginning a career as a histologic technician.

• Provide the medical communities nationwide with individuals qualified to effectively carry out the functions of the histotechnology discipline.

• Assist the affiliate site’s histology trainers in effectively meeting students’ needs in accomplishing the course work.

• Assist students in reaching their goals by providing academic, occupational, and personal guidance.

Program Facilities The Histotechnology Program office is located in Coleman Hall at Indiana University Purdue University– Indianapolis (IUPUI). "Classrooms" for delivery of teleconferences, as well as practical training sites, are located in institutions throughout the United States that qualify as clinical affiliates where students are located. Clinical affiliate sites may vary from year to year, as training needs change.

Additional Costs of the Program In addition to Indiana resident tuition and course fees, students are required to purchase books. Completion of course requirements may necessitate the purchase of laboratory supplies not ordinarily used at the student’s training facility laboratory. Clinical training laboratories may cover some expenses for laboratory supplies and mailing costs for submission of assignments to the program office. Additional training costs to the student and/or laboratory are estimated at $400.00 per year.

Feasibility of Work for Students Since the program is designed with the on-the-job student in mind, full-time employment in a histology laboratory is assumed.

Accreditation The Histotechnology Program at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

ADMISSION

Class Size Twenty-three teleconference ports are available for delivery of lectures to affiliate sites; affiliate sites may accommodate more than one student, depending on the laboratories’ capacity for training; the training facility may accommodate students from additional local sites for teleconference purposes. Theoretically, there is no limit to class size.

Specific Requirements

Application Deadline May 1 of the year of anticipated entry.

Minimum Academic Requirements High school graduate or equivalent. A minimum grade point average of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale in prerequisite courses is required for admission, and must be maintained in professional courses. See prerequisites.

Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. This requirement is applied at admission and must be maintained. Grades earned in remedial courses are not used to calculate the cumulative grade point average.

Minimum Grade Requirement in Prerequisite Courses C (2.00 on a 4.00 scale).

Limitations of Course Work Students must have completed the prerequisites within ten years prior to application date. Prerequisite courses may be taken at the high school or college level. Remedial courses do not meet the prerequisite requirements. Professional courses must be completed in sequence.

Technical Standards See School of Allied Health Sciences policy.

Indiana Residents Preference The Histotechnology Program is designed to reach students in all parts of the nation. However, preference for admissions is ranked as follows: (1) students in Indiana laboratories with one or multiple noncertified students; (2) students in out-of-state laboratories with multiple noncertified students; (3) students in out-of-state laboratories with one noncertified student; (4) students who are already certified, in laboratories either in-state or out-of-state.

Volunteer Experience Although volunteer experience is not required of applicants, it is highly recommended that students with no histology laboratory experience spend time in a histology laboratory to assure serious interest before proceeding with application to the program.

Special Credit Policy Students seeking special credit for previous histotechnology experience, by examination or credential (HT), should contact the program director for additional information and counseling. Special credit courses are available only to students pursuing a degree at Indiana University.

Scholarships The American Society for Clinical Pathologists, the National Society for Histotechnology, and several states’ histology professional organizations sponsor scholarships for students in histotechnology. Other scholarship and financial aid opportunities may be available through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

CURRICULUM

Prerequisites

Professional Program

Program Completion Requirements Satisfactory completion of 24 credit hours of professional courses. All course work must be completed in compliance with the program’s and school’s academic and professional policies.

For further information, contact: