Histological Technician

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