Pathology Laboratory Techniques

Major: Pathology Laboratory Techniques

Program Overview: A practical, science-based program training students in laboratory techniques for disease diagnosis, medical testing, and research. Focuses on clinical pathology, histopathology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics, preparing graduates for careers in hospitals, private labs, and research institutions in Turkey. Aligns with Turkish healthcare standards and modern lab technologies.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Master specimen collection, processing, and analysis (blood, tissue, bodily fluids).
• Develop skills in microscopy, staining techniques, and histopathology.
• Learn clinical chemistry and hematology testing (glucose, cholesterol, CBC).
• Gain expertise in microbiology and molecular diagnostics (PCR, ELISA, culture techniques).
• Understand lab safety, quality control, and accreditation standards (ISO 15189).
• Apply digital pathology and lab information systems (LIS).
• Follow Turkish healthcare regulations and ethical guidelines.

Core Courses:

1. Introduction to Pathology & Lab Techniques
   • Role of labs in diagnosis, infection control, and lab ethics.
2. Clinical Chemistry & Hematology
   • Blood tests, biochemistry, and hematology analyzers.
3. Histopathology & Cytology
   • Tissue preparation, staining (H&E), and slide examination.
4. Microbiology & Immunology
   • Bacterial/viral culture, serology, and antimicrobial testing.
5. Molecular Diagnostics
   • PCR, DNA sequencing, and genetic testing techniques.
6. Lab Safety & Quality Management
   • Biosafety, waste disposal, and ISO 15189 compliance.
7. Digital Pathology & Lab Informatics
   • LIS software, digital microscopy, and data management.
8. Cancer Diagnostics (Oncology Lab Techniques)
   • Tumor markers, immunohistochemistry, and FISH testing.
9. Practicum in Pathology Labs
   • Hands-on training in hospitals or diagnostic labs.
10. Capstone Project
    • Case study or research project (e.g., disease diagnostic protocol).

Assessment Methods:

• Lab technique demonstrations (staining, microscopy)
• Case study analyses (diagnostic reports)
• Quality control simulations
• Molecular diagnostics experiments
• Capstone project presentations

Tools & Resources:

• Equipment: Microscopes, centrifuges, PCR machines, automated analyzers
• Software: Lab Information Systems (LIS), digital pathology platforms
• Books:
  • Clinical Laboratory Medicine by Richard Ravel
  • Histopathology by David E. Elder
  • Molecular Diagnostics by George P. Patras

Prerequisites:

High school diploma with biology/chemistry background. Interest in healthcare and lab work.

Program Duration:

2 years (associate degree) or 4 years (bachelor’s), including clinical internships.

Certifications:

• Turkish Ministry of Health Lab Technician License
• ASCPI (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Certification (optional)
• ISO 15189 Internal Auditor (for quality management roles)

Career Paths:

• Medical Lab Technician (hospitals, private labs)
• Histopathology Technician (cancer diagnostics, research labs)
• Molecular Diagnostics Technician (PCR, genetic testing)
• Clinical Lab Supervisor (quality control, team management)
• Research Lab Assistant (universities, biotech firms)
• Forensic Lab Technician (crime scene analysis)

Why This Major?

Turkey’s healthcare sector is expanding, increasing demand for skilled lab technicians. This program provides hands-on training in modern diagnostic techniques, ensuring graduates are job-ready for hospitals, research labs, and private clinics. With strong industry connections and certification prep, students gain a competitive edge in a stable, high-demand field. Ideal for those interested in medicine, science, and healthcare technology.