LCCC Partners with Reading Area Community College to Offer Histotechnician Degree

Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) and Reading Area Community College (RACC) have formed a partnership that provides an opportunity for students in Lehigh, Carbon and Schuylkill counties to complete an associate’s degree in histotechnology. In the agreement, students enroll in the Histotechnician Program at LCCC to complete their preclinical general education requirements with LCCC, then finish the program at RACC, paying in-county tuition rates. The program consists of online courses and three in-person practicums at clinical sites in surrounding counties.

Histotechnicians study the anatomy cells and tissue of plants and animals, under light microscopes and electron microscopes. They detect tissue abnormalities and appropriate testing for tissue samples to ensure proper diagnoses.

“Histotechnicians play a critical role in the healthcare arena as they are skilled professionals who prepare samples of body tissue to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The future for employment is excellent and there is a critical need for well-trained histotechnicians locally, as well as throughout the country,” says RACC Professor/Program Director of Medical Laboratory Technician & Histotechnician Programs Alayne Fessler.

Histotechnicians can earn an average salary of over $61,000. It is a promising and rapidly growing field in which graduates can enjoy a long and successful career. Today, there are more jobs for histologic technicians than there are well-trained, qualified professionals to fill those positions.

“Career opportunities in healthcare are growing in our area, and LCCC is honored to be able to provide this additional career path to our students,” says LCCC president Dr. Ann D. Bieber. “This partnership demonstrates our collective commitment to student success and provides trained healthcare professionals to our respective regions.”