2019 – 2020
Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework 

Program Title:	Histologic Technology
Career Cluster:	Health Science

AS	
CIP Number	1351100800	
Program Type	College Credit	
Standard Length	76 credit hours	
CTSO	HOSA: Future Health Professionals	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	29-2011 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Health Science career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health Science career cluster. 

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as tissue technologists SOC Code 29-2011 (Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists) or histotechnicians or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations.

The content includes but is not limited to preparation of tissue specimens of human and animal origin for research, teaching purposes, or diagnosis of body dysfunction and malignancy.  A clinical component is a necessary element of this program.

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Program Structure
This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 76 credit hours.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of the health care delivery system and health occupations.
02.0	Demonstrate the ability to communicate and use interpersonal skills effectively.
03.0	Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities.
04.0	Demonstrate an understanding of and apply wellness and disease concepts.
05.0	Recognize and practice safety and security procedures.
06.0	Recognize and respond to emergency situations.
07.0	Recognize and practice infection control procedures.
08.0	Demonstrate an understanding of information technology applications in healthcare.
09.0	Demonstrate employability skills.
10.0	Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
11.0	Apply basic math and science skills. 
12.0	Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to disease states and services performed by the histotechnician.
13.0	Practice quality assurance, safety, and acceptable communication skills.
14.0	Adhere to legal and ethical principles related to the practice of histotechnology.
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to accessioning.
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to grossing.
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to tissue processing.
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to embedding.
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to microtomy.
20.0	Perform tissue preparation techniques. 
21.0	Maintain histology laboratory equipment.

2019 – 2020
Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Histologic Technology
CIP Number:		1351100800 
Program Length:	76 credit hours
SOC Code(s):		29-2011

Standards 1-11 are referred to as the Health Science Core and are required standards in this program. Secondary and Postsecondary students completing the health science core will not have to repeat the core in any other health science program in which it is a part.  When the recommended sequence is followed, the structure allows students to complete at specified points for employment or remain for advanced training or cross-training.  

To ensure consistency whenever these courses are offered, the health science core standards (1-11) have been placed in a separate document. You can access the course standards and benchmarks by visiting this link: 
http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/5655/urlt/health-sci-core-psav-cc.rtf

Refer to Rule 6A-14.030 (4) F.A.C., for the minimum amount of general education coursework required in the Associate of Science (AS) degree.  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
Histologic Technology:  The following intended outcomes complete the occupational completion point for the Histologic Technology program.	
12.0	Identify the anatomic structure and function of body systems in relation to disease states and services performed by the histotechnician. –The student will be able to:	
12.01	Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology as related to histotechnology.	
12.02	Demonstrate knowledge of normal histology of human organs.	
12.03	Demonstrate knowledge of various methods of obtaining histological specimens from patients.	
12.04	Identify tissue structures and cellular components; relate both to physiological functions.	
12.05	Demonstrate knowledge of types of histological specimens usually submitted for gross and microscopic examination or submitted for gross description only.	
12.06	Demonstrate knowledge of the processing of histologic specimens especially as related to disease processes.	
12.07	Demonstrate knowledge of tissue processing methods and schedules, depending on tissue type and size including variety of fixatives used and how each relates to different tissue components and the disease process to be diagnosed.	
13.0	Practice quality assurance, safety and acceptable communication skills. – The student will be able to:	
13.01	Practice quality control in the histology laboratory as required by the accrediting agency.	
13.02	Follow institutional policies and procedures related to safety.	
13.03	Demonstrate knowledge of medical terminology.	
13.04	Recognize errors and their sources, and take corrective action.	
13.05	Demonstrate knowledge of chemical hazards and acceptable exposure limits within the histopathology laboratory.	
13.06	Demonstrate knowledge of proper disposal methods for all chemical and biological waste within the histopathology laboratory with emphasis on both state and local requirements.  	
13.07	Implement procedures to meet regulatory and accreditation agency patient safety guidelines.	
14.0	Adhere to legal and ethical principles related to the practice of Histotechnology. – The student will be able to:	
14.01	Practice discretion and confidentiality with protected health information in regard to laboratory reports, requisitions and computer monitors.	
14.02	Demonstrate knowledge of the histotechnician's role and responsibilities in relation to the health care team.	
14.03	Demonstrate knowledge of the legal ramifications of pathology practice of laboratory medicine.	
15.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to accessioning. – The student will be able to:	
15.01	Demonstrate the understanding of evaluation of acceptable specimen protocol including proper patient identification.  	
15.02	Recognize specimens submitted for special studies (i.e. Immunofluorescence, Quantitative Iron). 	
15.03	Verify positive patient ID.	
16.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to grossing. – The student will be able to:	
16.01	Demonstrate knowledge of fixation types and volume to size. 	
16.02	Demonstrate the need for accurate labeling of cassettes with accession number and sub-parts in relation to gross description.	
16.03	Perform accurate and precise gross descriptions according to standard grossing protocol. 	
16.04	Demonstrate knowledge of loss prevention for small specimens (i.e. Sponges, lens paper, biopsy bags.)	
16.05	Demonstrate knowledge of minute fragments-cell block procedures. 	
16.06	Demonstrate knowledge of decalcification procedures by specimen type.  	
16.07	Triage specimens for size for appropriate tissue processing schedules. 	
17.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to tissue processing. – The student will be able to:	
17.01	Demonstrate knowledge of the types of tissue processors including routine, microwave and rapid. 	
17.02	Perform the operation and maintenance of equipment. 	
17.03	Perform the preparation of a reagent. 	
17.04	Create tissue processing schedules by size and tissue type. 	
17.05	Perform the maintenance reagents including changing and rotation. 	
17.06	Demonstrate knowledge of various paraffin types including additives and melting points. 	
18.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to embedding. – The student will be able to:	
18.01	Recognize adequacy of tissue processing and rectify if possible.	
18.02	Recognize special instructions given from the gross team.  	
18.03	Verify the number of pieces and cassettes submitted. 	
18.04	Select the appropriate size of mold for the size of tissue being embedded. 	
18.05	Perform the proper orientation of tissue pieces (i.e. Punch biopsies, tubes, veins). 	
18.06	Apply knowledge of the prevent air bubbles and multi-layering of paraffin. 	
18.07	Apply quality control measures for the temperatures of paraffin including daily recording.	
19.0	Demonstrate knowledge of histology laboratory operations related to microtomy. – The student will be able to:	
19.01	Demonstrate the use of microtomy tools and microtomes including alignment and angles, and proper disposal of blades.	
19.02	Demonstrate proper blade selection based on characteristics including disposable, high or low profile, or re-sharpen. 	
19.03	Select the appropriate thickness of sections for routine specimens and special procedures. 	
19.04	Identify the number of slides and levels per block as indicated. 	
19.05	Demonstrate techniques for facing/trimming into blocks for full section. 	
19.06	Perform slide selection for all specimen types including slides with adhesives for bones and nails. 	
20.0	Perform tissue preparation techniques. – The student will be able to:	
20.01	Demonstrate an understanding of the need for proper histologic specimen identification. 	
20.02	Perform the clinically appropriate preparation and histochemical staining techniques when ordered by the pathologist.	
20.03	Identify and troubleshoot problems encountered in histological staining and reagent preparation procedures.	
20.04	 Demonstrate the knowledge of the current methods of immunohistochemistry procedures for the detection of antigen.	
20.05	Evaluate, validate and implement new preparation and staining procedures.	
20.06	Distinguish between well-prepared and stained and poorly-prepared and stained histologic specimens.	
20.07	Identify tissue structures and their staining characteristics.	
20.08	Demonstrate knowledge of frozen section use and techniques.	
21.0	Maintain histology laboratory equipment. – The student will be able to:	
21.01	Perform  routine maintenance of equipment and instruments within specified limits to include:
21.01.01	embedding centers 
21.01.02	tissue processors
21.01.03	microtomes
21.01.04	cryostat	
21.02	Refer to appropriate person(s) for complex repairs.	
21.03	Follow procedures for accessibility and maintenance of service records. 	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

This program meets the Department of Health’s education requirements for HIV/AIDS, Domestic Violence and Prevention of Medical Errors.  Although not a requirement for initial licensure, it is a requirement for renewal, therefore the instructor may provide a certificate for renewal purposes to the student verifying these requirements have been met.

If students in this program are seeking a licensure, certificate or registration through the Department of Health, please refer to 456.0635 F.S. for more information on disqualification for a license, certificate, or registration through the Department of Health. 

Outcomes 01-11 are referred to as the Health Careers Core and do not have to be completed if the student has previously completed the Core in another health science program.  The Core should be taken first or concurrently with the first course in the program.  Following the successful completion of the core, the student is eligible to take the National Health Care Foundation Skill Standards Assessment with instructor approval and the completion of a portfolio

Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)

HOSA: Future Health Professionals is the intercurricular career and technical student organization providing leadership training and reinforcing specific career and technical skills. Career and Technical Student Organizations provide activities for students as an integral part of the instruction offered. 

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.

Additional Resources

For additional information regarding articulation agreements, Bright Futures Scholarships, Fine Arts/Practical Arts Credit and Equivalent Mathematics and Equally Rigorous Science Courses please refer to:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml