Academic requirements
Applicants should have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and a combined science/math grade point average of 3.0. Courses preferably have been taken within the last seven years. Applicants enrolled in a histotechnologist
curriculum at affiliated academic institutions are considered first. Applicants from non-affiliated institutions are considered if a bachelor's degree has been earned and all other requirements have been met.
To obtain a copy of the most recent Student Policy Handbook, please contact Jamie Pert via e-mail at Jamie.Pert@beaumont.org.
Minimum requirements
- Baccalaureate degree
- three courses with a minimum of 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours of chemistry with labs;
- five courses with a minimum of 20 semester hours or 30 quarter hours of biology with labs at of 200 or higher
- one college-level math course
- ability to meet the essential functions/technical standards
Required courses
- anatomy
- physiology
- microbiology
- organic chemistry
- biochemistry
- intermediate algebra
Strongly recommended courses
- histology
- human Genetics
- immunology
- inorganic Chemistry
- molecular Pathology
Suggested courses
- medical terminology
- computers
- physics
- zoology
- advanced algebra
- physics
- medical law and ethics or safety
Essential function/technical standards
Essential functions/technical standards represent the fundamental non-academic requirements of the histotechnologist program that students must master to successfully participate in the program. Persons wishing to enter or those students
who expect to continue in the histotechnologist practicum, must:
Possess visual acuity
- differentiate various colors and their shades
- discriminate fine details
- read text, numbers, graphs, labels, and details in print, writing and computer monitors
- accurately judge distance and depth perception, and 2 and 3 dimensional structures
- see equipment and details with near vision
Possess hearing acuity
- distinguish sounds of equipment, alarms and phones
Possess sensory input
- detect and distinguish various odors
Possess manual dexterity/fine motor skills
- manipulate, maneuver, adjust, and control small objects, including computer, keyboard, chemicals, equipment and supplies
Possess physical and gross motor function
- physically work an 8 hour day
- move freely and safely around (area) and hospital
- lift and/or carry 20 pounds
- bend and stoop
- grasp with one or both hands
- ability to reach XXXX height (tables, patients, height, shelves, etc.), with a step stool if necessary
- sit for prolonged period of time
- stand and/or remain stationary for prolonged period of time
- perform repetitive tasks
Possess willingness to work with safety hazards
- sharp objects (e.g., needles, scalpels, etc.)
- hazardous chemicals (e.g., toxic, corrosive, flammable, etc.)
- radioactivity
- infectious/biohazardous materials/specimens
Possess mental skills
- apply complex thought processes to problem solve and/or troubleshoot
- prioritize and perform multiple tasks, assignments and exams accurately and within feasible time allowance
- perform tasks, assignments with and without direct supervision, as required
- use reasonable judgment to recognize and correct performance deviations, under stressful situations, time constraints, distracting environment
- assess medical and/or safety emergencies and respond quickly and appropriately
- compile, analyze and correlate data
- perform at the level determined and required by the profession and the hospital
Possess communication skills
- understand and follow verbal, non-verbal and written instructions
- communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing
- read and comprehend on a post-secondary level: text, numbers, math, graphs, textbooks, journals, instructions, internet, communications, procedures, etc.
- independently study and prepare papers, reports, posters, homework
- clearly deliver oral presentations/simulations
- take written, computer and practical/clinical/demonstration exams at post-secondary level without additional resources/assistance and within established time frames
- use computer software/internet for communication, education purposes
- read and apply appropriate instructions in treatment charts, records, procedures, both on-line and on paper
- interact and communicate effectively and confidently with all patients, visitors, hospital staff, instructors, and classmates, in all settings
- verbally communicate with patients and staff to provide test results, procedure information, and/or patient instructions or patient education
- speak clearly and loudly to be heard and understood over background equipment noise and over intercom or telephone system
"Criteria for admission should be related to the functions of the histologic technician. There shall be a procedure for determining that the applicants' or students' health will permit them to meet the written essential functions of the program. Essential
functions are the physical and behavioral standards that a student must be able to master in order to successfully complete the program and, presumably, to be able to obtain employment in the field."
(Taken from the NAACLS Essentials of 1995 and NAACLS News, Fall 1997)
Acceptance into the School of Histotechnologist Practicum is dependent upon many factors, including: the candidate's grades, courses taken, letters of recommendation, statement of career goals; interview of the candidate by the Admissions Committee;
the successful completion by the candidate of a physical examination performed by the Corewell Health Hospital Occupational Health Services; and, upon the assessment by the Admissions Committee, the candidate's potential ability to meet the above mentioned
preadmission essential functions/technical standards.
Physical exam: Students accepted in to the program will be required to pass a physical examination through the Hospital Occupational Health Services before beginning the program. The examination includes, but is not limited to: general physical examination;
chest x-ray; blood and urinalysis tests; tuberculosis (TB) testing; drug, alcohol and nicotine screening; evidence of immunity to rubella, mumps, varicella zoster, rubeola and pertussis. In addition, students will be required to receive (or show proof)
of Hepatitis B vaccine, influenza vaccine, Tdap vaccination and COVID vaccine. There are limited exemptions for those with specific religious or medical reasons.