About the Profession
Histotechnicians and histotechnologists prepare and stain tissue to aid in the diagnosis of various diseases and disorders. Both groups conduct tissue processing, embedding, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains, and special stain techniques. Histotechnologists also perform advanced testing, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme testing, and hold management positions.
About the Program
Four students are accepted to complete the on-campus route, and ten students are accepted to complete the online route each January. All students complete introductory coursework, which includes topics such as anatomy and physiology, laboratory mathematics, and instrumentation, before transitioning into profession-specific lectures and clinical rotations. Total program length is eight months. Students pursuing the histotechnologist certification complete an additional two months of coursework in IHC and management.
Program Structure
All lectures are provided on Mondays. Two on-campus students will attend clinical rotations on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The other two students attend clinical rotations on Wednesdays and Fridays. Online students will complete their lectures asynchronously each week and will schedule their own clinical rotation hours for a minimum of 16 hours per week.
Online Route
Students can either complete the Histotechnology program on campus at the Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories, in which all lectures and clinical rotations are completed on campus, or remotely, in which students complete their didactic coursework online and clinical rotations at a facility of their choosing. Students completing the online route of the program will be responsible for finding their own clinical rotation site and will complete documentation to ensure that the site can provide adequate experiential training before being accepted into the program.
Admission Requirements
Histotechnician Track
Applicants must have a minimum of an associate's degree with at least 12 total semester hours in biology and chemistry, with courses in both. Applicants must also have a 2.5 overall GPA as well as a 2.5 or higher GPA in science (biology and chemistry).
Histotechnologist Track
Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with at least 30 total semester credit hours in biology and chemistry, with courses in both. Applicants must also have a 2.5 overall GPA as well as a 2.5 or higher GPA in science (biology and chemistry).
Application Process
The application is open from January 1 to the second Friday of September. The online application link is here. A complete application includes transcripts, a personal statement, a resume, and three references with optional letters of recommendation. All applicants who meet the minimum requirements with respect to prior coursework and GPA will be granted an in-person or virtual interview with the Program Director and representatives of the Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories. Interviews will take place through the end of December.
Contact Info
Holly Covas, EdD, MPH, MLS(ASCP)CM, HTL(ASCP)CM
Program Director
holly.covas@vumc.org
(615) 322-8681
