If I have no previous laboratory experience, how do I find a histology/pathology laboratory where I can do a shadow experience?

Many of the local hospitals or reference laboratories with histology/pathology laboratories will provide candidates an 8 hour shadow experience.  First, print the application and use the Employment Observation Verification form which is page seven of the application when scheduling your shadow experience.  Contact the histology/pathology laboratory near where you live or work as it will be more convenient for you to complete the 8 hour shadow experience.  The form is completed by the clinical site mentor who oversees your shadow experience.  The form must be notarized or the clinical site mentor can attach a memo on the facility's letterhead indicating your successful completion of the 8 hour shadow experience.

What are the program prerequisites?
Applicants must complete BIO156, CHM130, and MAT102.  If a student has completed related courses at a higher level, please contact the program director to discuss course substitutions for the prerequisite courses.  HCC130 and HCC145AA are also prerequisite courses for those candidates who have less than two years of relevant healthcare work experience.  These courses need to be completed by the end of the fall semester in which the student is applying for the program.

If I apply for the program, when will I know if I have been accepted?
Applications are due the third Friday in December and selected candidates will be notified by the first Friday in February.

When does the program begin?  What is the schedule for the entire 8 month program?  
The program begins on either the last Saturday in March or the first Saturday in April. The 8 month program schedule runs from April through the middle of December. Students are in classes at Phoenix College on Saturdays from 9am – 12:00pm and participate in various lab activities scheduled at local pathology labs from 1-3:30pm. Students complete clinical rotations throughout each week of the program( Monday through Friday), and students average 10 hours per week to complete their clinical rotations.

Do I have to schedule my own clinical site to conduct clinical rotations?
Scheduling of clinical sites is coordinated by faculty and staff at Phoenix College.  Once students are accepted into the program, faculty and staff coordinate scheduling of clinical sites for each student admitted into the program.

How much does the program cost?  Do I have to pay for the entire program once I am accepted?The 8 month program has courses with a total of 24 credits and course fees associated with many of the lab related courses.  The program textbooks can be found on the program web site, and these textbooks can be obtained at the bookstore located on campus, or through other resources.  The credit fee is established by the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board.  For 2009, the entire program costs including tuition, fees, and textbooks was approximately $2,050.  Students can pay for a group of courses as they progress through the program and do not have to pay the full amount upon acceptance into the program.  Financial aid is available and more information can be obtained through the Financial Aid Office.

I have previous work experience in a laboratory; can I test-out of part of the program or earn credits for my work experience?

Maricopa County Community College District does have a credit for prior learning policy. Your relevant work experience within a histology/pathology laboratory and associated training and education may enable you to qualify for credit for prior learning for select portions of the program. Please contact the program director to discuss credit for prior learning.

Yes, most students in this program work while completing the program. The program is a hybrid design and is designed for students who might work. The hybrid design allows for some of the learning to be completed by the student using their own home computer or other computing resources and limits the amount of time students need to be in a campus based setting. The campus based classes are scheduled only on Saturdays which allow students working any shift to be able to participate in the program.