This includes the preparation of tissue specimens of human and animal origin for diagnostic, research, and teaching purposes. Tissue sections prepared by the histologic technician for a variety of disease entities enable the pathologist to diagnose body dysfunction and malignancy. The curriculum includes both didactic instruction and practical demonstration in the areas of medical ethics, medical terminology, chemistry, laboratory mathematics, computer technology, histology, instrumentation, microscopy, anatomy, quality control. The first three semesters of the program consist of laboratory and didactic courses taught on the YSU campus. The final two semesters consist of the clinical practicums that are held at affiliated laboratories.
Histologic technicians play important roles in the detection of cancer cells.
Once a sample tissue is taken from a patient, the histotechnician prepares very thin sections of body tissue for microscopic examination. With the information learned from the section of tissue biopsy, the physician can determine if disease is present, if it has spread and determining the best course of treatment for the patient. The histologic technician works with fragile, delicate instruments as well as knives, chemicals, and glass slides. He or she must value precision and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Histologic technicians have an unlimited choice of practice settings.