Rockland Community College Launches New Histotechnician Program

Rockland Community College (RCC) is excited to announce a new two-year Histotechnician program in partnership with SUNY Cobleskill, offered within the School of STEM at RCC. This program allows students to complete their core classes at RCC and finish their undergraduate degree through SUNY Cobleskill, on the RCC campus and online. This collaboration provides significant cost savings by reducing first-year tuition and travel expenses for Rockland residents.

Histotechnicians are essential professionals in the allied health field. They specialize in preparing thin tissue samples from humans, animals, or plants for microscopic examination, a critical process in diagnosing diseases, conducting research, and teaching. Through their expertise in histologic technology, histotechnicians reveal the intricate structures within tissues, making what is invisible to the naked eye visible under a microscope. This work is vital in the accurate diagnosis and confirmation of medical conditions, contributing significantly to patient care and scientific advancement.

“We’re excited to offer this new Histotechnician program with SUNY Cobleskill, which provides a cost-effective pathway for students to enter a high-paying field,” said Melanie Rie, RCC Dean of the School of STEM. “By completing their core classes at RCC and finishing their degree online or on-campus, our students can significantly reduce their expenses while preparing for a high-paying career.”

Histotechnicians earn an average NYS starting salary of $81,000 and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030. In New York alone, over 1,300 job postings for histotechnicians have been reported in the past year, with demand coming from hospitals, medical laboratories, and research facilities.

“Certified histotechnicians play a critical role in our healthcare system, and having well-trained, certified professionals ready to enter the field is essential for advancing patient care and research,” said Adam Tegnander, SUNY Cobleskill’s Histotechnician Program Director. “This program ensures that new professionals are fully equipped to meet the growing demand for histotechnicians across New York State and the country, and we're thrilled to partner with Rockland Community College to offer another pathway for students to enter the field."

For more information about the program, please visit https://sunyrockland.edu/programs/histotechnician/.

About Rockland Community College 

Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCC’s institutional collaborations.

RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and micro credentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at www.sunyrockland.edu.

About SUNY Cobleskill 

The power of hands-on learning and personal development is our guiding principle, empowering our students to grow purpose in their lives and influence the creation of a more sustainable and equitable world. As SUNY’s leading institution of Agriculture and Technology, we explore and innovate at the interchange of these fields, recognizing the roles they play in shaping our future. Our commitment extends globally, achieved through personal, collaborative learning experiences designed for an ideal progression from classroom knowledge to career application. Learn more at www.cobleskill.edu.