Rockland Community College Launches New Histotechnician Program in Partnership with SUNY Cobleskill

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 are  thrilled.”