Histology

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Program Mission

The mission of the Marshfield Labs Histology Technician Program is to provide a quality educational experience for students completing a practicum in Histotechnology. In keeping with the mission of Marshfield Labs, the program will provide didactic and practical training that will promote high standards of patient care and medical practice.​​

Program Goals and Competencies

The goal of the program is to produce an entry-level laboratory professional that can demonstrate the ability to complete the following procedures according to documented policies and procedures for routine and specialized areas of the Histology laboratory.  The graduate is also expected to participate in the supportive functions of quality control, instrument operation, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.  The graduate is expected to exhibit qualities of leadership and professionalism. The graduates will be expected to:

• Receive, record, identify and charge all specimens coming into the histology laboratory.
• Operate and maintain a microtome to adequately cut surgical sections at a rate of 2.5 minutes per slide/block. Multiple slides and levels at 3 minutes per block.
• Process, embed, cut, stain and coverslip all tissue specimens submitted.
• Cut, stain and coverslip frozen sections at a maximum of eight minutes per specimen followed by routine cryostat maintenance.​​
  
• Operate and troubleshoot tissue processors to adequately process a day's workload.
• Identify correct tissue structures and staining characteristics through routine and special staining.
• Maintain all equipment and work areas according to the total quality assurance requirements of the department.
• Observe and practice all safety rules keeping in mind personal safety, that of co-workers and the laboratory space and equipment integrity.
• Communicate (within and outside the Histology laboratory and other allied health professionals) in a caring, knowledgeable, responsible and confidential manner.
• Exhibit an interest in self-development by participation in continuing education activities.
• Uphold the quality of the product by adhering to quality control technical procedures and the overall institutional quality assurance program.
• Demonstrate professionalism by being punctual, honest and working as member of a team.

​After demonstrating proficiency, students may be permitted to perform procedures under qualified supervision.  By the conclusion of the practicum, students are expected to have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to function as entry-level Histology professionals.   ​

Accreditation 

The Histotechnician program at Marshfield Labs was established in 1951 and is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).  Information regarding program accreditation status may be obtained from NAACLS at 5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720, Rosemont, Illinois, 60018-5119, Ph. 773-714-8880, or at www.naacls.org. 

NAACLS Outcome Measures

​​​​Additional Program Information

Lab Education Policy and Procedure Manual​​

HT Program Handbook​​​​

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