The first in a series bringing students in-depth information about RCTC’s career programs
By Piper Fuller
Echo Staff Writer
Do you demonstrate meticulous attention to detail? Have fine motor skills? Aren’t grossed out by what might be found under a microscope?
Then a career in histology might be for you! This 9-month program offered twice a year covers how to embed, cut, stain and process slices of tissue for microscope review. Students considering this program should have knowledge of, or an interest in, biology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
Photo credit: Rochester Community and Technical College
But histology is about more than cutting and processing. Histology technicians provide the artistry behind the precision equipment by carefully arranging and dyeing paper-thin slices of tissue.
The process differs from sample to sample, and machines just do not have the same attention to detail. Histology technicians are critical to diagnosis and pathology studies. They help identify new diseases as well as specific treatments.
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences provides students hands-on learning with histology technicians and pathologists. Students will spend their final two semesters on the Rochester Mayo Clinic campus. The instruction breakdown is online/blended learning (25%); in-person lab sessions (25%) and clinical rotations (50%).
Breast adenocarcinoma at 20x magnification. Photo credit: MicroscopyU
Competitive or easy to get into? Highly competitive – only six students accepted each session and it fills up quickly. Assistance required from an advisor to verify eligibility and plan coursework efficiently. If you are interested, don’t wait.
Chance for a job when I graduate? High. Likely employment immediately after graduation.
Salary range? Averages $58,000 per year
Application deadline: For the summer of 2023, the application deadline is Feb 28. The winter deadline is not yet set.
Additional tuition or application fees: None
Contact for interested students: Program advisor Dale Amy at dale.amy@rctc.edu.
More information: https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/histology-technician-program-arizona-florida-and-minnesota/
https://www.rctc.edu/program/histology/