Program Mission, Goals, and Objectives

Program Mission

The mission of the HTL program is to train students to become competent and professional histotechnologists. In addition, the HTL program shares the mission of the University of Mississippi Medical Center to improve the health and well-being of patients and the community through excellent training for health care professionals, engagement in innovative research, and the delivery of state-of-the-art health care.

Program Goals

The HTL program strives to offer a rich curriculum that will produce graduates who meet the requirements for certification as a histotechnologist and to provide potential employers with individuals who are both competent and qualified to function as histotechnologists in a variety of settings.

The HTL program is responsible for providing an education and learning experience that will prepare students that meet the following programmatic goals:

• Perform entry level competencies with laboratory skills, knowledge, and attitudes which will increase the number of qualified and credentialed histotechnologists in the state.

• Participate in continuing education programs and advanced graduate studies for continued professional growth.

• Construct research and research methods for the continued refinement and improvement of laboratory services provided by a variety of health care facilities.

• Incorporate habits for life-long learning into education, management, and supervision into the laboratory profession.

• Generate appropriate professionalism to work with a health care team.

Objectives

The UMMC HTL program is based upon principles essential for preparing students who can achieve the ideals of the profession. The program objectives are to:

• Prepare graduates who demonstrate entry level competencies to be able to enter the workforce as a histotechnologist.

• Provide training and learning experience in the preparation of microscopic, stained specimens for the diagnosis and prognosis of disease by a pathologist.

• Develop student’s ability to critically think in the didactic and clinical setting.

• Prepare students to be professional and ethical members of a healthcare team.