
Histological Technician: Certificate
Histological Technicians work closely with pathologists and play an integral role in aiding patient diagnosis. They use their knowledge of tissues, pathological conditions and precision equipment to process, section and stain patient specimens. The precision, quality and timeliness of the specimen preparation directly impacts diagnosis and ultimately patient care.
If you are fascinated by the complex way the body works and you like to work with your hands, if you have an inquisitive mind and have always been fascinated by medical research and the solutions it pursues, then Histological Technician may well be the career for you.
In order to participate in clinical rotations, which are required to graduate from this program, students are required to submit proof of a current physical and up-to-date required vaccinations, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Specific instructions about required documentation and deadlines are provided by the Program Director.
Andrea Wade, Ph.D.
Interim Program Director, Clinical Laboratory Technician
Professor Emerita, Clinical Laboratory Technologies Department
SUNY Broome Community College
Erin K. O’Hara-Leslie, MS Ed., BS, CMA
Interim Chairperson Clinical Laboratory Technologies (CLT) Department
Chairperson/Associate Professor Health Studies
SUNY Broome Community College
Kimberly B. McLain, Ph.D., RN
Associate Vice President and Dean of Health Sciences & Institutional Effectiveness
SUNY Broome Community College
Danielle Britton, MA
Director of Training, Education and Workforce Development
SUNY Broome Community College
Julia E. Saur Peacock MS, SM, SI (ASCP), CLS
Retired: Emeritus Professor
Aaron Glass, PhD, ASCP(MB)
Assistant Professor and Chair, Clinical Laboratory Science,
College of Health Professions
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Kelly Cwikla, MLS (ASCP) SM
Clinical Manager Microbiology
Guthrie Lourdes Hospital
Joseph Wawrzynski, MBA, MT(ASCP)BB, DLM CM, CQA(ASQ), CPHQ(NAHQ)
Integrated Laboratory Manager
Finger Lakes VA Healthcare System
Mindy Moskowitz, Masters in MLT
Director of Laboratory Education
Catholic Health System
Licensure and Certification Information
The Histological Technician program at SUNY Broome Community College has been approved by the New York State Department of Education as a licensure-qualifying program for the New York State Clinical Laboratory Technician. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for New York State licensure, provided they:
- Submit all required application paperwork and fees
- Earn an associate degree with the appropriate number and distribution of science courses required for licensure
For additional information, please visit the New York State Office of the Professions.
Certification Eligibility (ASCP BOC)
Graduates are also eligible to apply for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) via Route 2, which requires:
- One year of full-time acceptable experience in a histopathology laboratory (clinical, veterinary, industry, or research)
- The experience must be within the United States, Canada, or an accredited laboratory within the past 10 years
Note: Receiving the HT degree from SUNY Broome is not dependent on passing any external certification or licensure exams.
NC-SARA and Federal Compliance
Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulations require institutions to disclose whether Title IV eligible academic programs leading to professional licensure or certification:
- Meet educational requirements in the state where the institution is located
- Meet educational requirements in states where distance education students reside at the time of enrollment
The Clinical Laboratory Technician, A.A.S., Histological Technician A.A.S., and Histological Technician, Certificate programs at SUNY Broome Community College are registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in New York State.
Through a good faith effort and in compliance with federal regulation, we have determined that these programs also meet educational requirements in the following states: AZ, CN, MO, NJ, PA.
However, SUNY Broome Community College is not the licensure/certification authority in these states and cannot guarantee that an individual will be issued a license or certificate. It is the responsibility of each individual candidate to contact the appropriate licensure/certification authority in the applicable state for specific requirements and application processes.
CLT Learning Outcomes
- Competent in collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens and other substances
- Perform analytical tests of body fluids, cells, and other substances
- Recognize factors that affect procedures and results, and take appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated
- Perform and monitor quality control within predetermined limits
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or refer to appropriate sources for repairs
- Apply principles of safety
- Demonstrate professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public
- Recognize the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interact with them with respect for their jobs and patient care
Licensure & Certification Pass Rates
Student Essential Functions
Clinical Laboratory Technician and Histological Technician
The Essential Functions are the non-academic requirements of each program. They correspond to the physical, psychological, and professional demands required of a Clinical Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, or Histologic Technician.
These professionals perform tests and procedures that impact patient care and safety. Although SUNY Broome Community College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution, it is important that every applicant meets certain technical standards (essential functions) to participate in training without endangering themselves, faculty, or patients.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) requires that these Essential Functions be made available to prospective students and the public. With appropriate accommodations, all students must be able to perform activities such as those listed below.
Physical Functions
- Strength, mobility, and agility to safely:
- Operate state-of-the-art instruments, including computers
- Lift and move objects weighing 20 pounds
- Walk, stand, or sit for long periods of time
- Travel to clinical laboratory affiliates
- Fine motor coordination to:
- Perform manual laboratory procedures with dexterity
- Use a microscope and differentiate microscopic components
- Perform delicate manipulations requiring good eye-hand coordination
- Adequate vision and observational skills to:
- Characterize color, clarity, and viscosity of specimens and reagents
- Read procedure manuals, package inserts, computer screens, and equipment markings
- Visualize and distinguish objects through a microscope
- Hear and respond to verbal directions, phone calls, timers, and alarms
- Sensitivity to touch and temperature to perform laboratory tests
- Write legibly and correctly
Psychological Functions
- Perform laboratory procedures accurately and quickly under stress and adapt to changing situations
- Exercise independent judgment and think logically in performance of duties
- Accept constructive criticism and use it to improve performance
- Organize, prioritize, and assume responsibility for one’s work
- Learn and apply content from didactic, laboratory, and clinical courses delivered in various formats
Professional Functions
- Communicate professionally and respectfully with patients, healthcare workers, and laboratory staff
- Maintain patient confidentiality; demonstrate ethical judgment, honesty, and accountability
- Perform laboratory tests efficiently and with attention to detail
- Apply critical thinking skills to solve problems
- Maintain a neat, well-groomed appearance
- Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and report results clearly
- Work effectively independently and as part of a team
Safety Functions
- Willing and able to work with sharp objects, hazardous, infectious, and biological materials
- Follow all safety protocols and guidelines
- Recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations
Contact Information
Admissions Office
607-778-5001
admissions@sunybroome.edu
- Erin O'Hara-Leslie
- Decker Health Sciences Center 217H
- 607-778-5161
- oharaleslieek@sunybroome.edu