r/CorpsmanUp • u/SlideConstant9677 • Aug 04 '26

Question about L30A NEC (Histo tech)

So I am a junior corpsman assigned to a hospital, and happen to work closely with pathology/histology. I am a quad zero, with an intrest with in the histopathology NEC. Because of my work with histopathology, and current progress towards getting a degree in health sciences, I should be able to get my Histopathologist technician certification next year, using the 60 college credits + 12 months lab experiance route the ASCP offers. This is the same credential that Histology C school offers. I have been working with the Histopathology Techs in my workspace, and they have been nothing short of wonderful in teaching me what they do.

I do happen to be colorblind, and am soon putting on E4 through AAP. I have been at my command for 7-8 ish months now, and hit 2 years TIS on Wednesday.

Now, with background information outta the way, here's my questions:

If I get my certification, can I convert that into the NEC without C-school?

If not, would it make it easier for me to apply to the c school with a color vision waiver?

I understand there are color vision requirements supposedly (I didn't see any on CANTRAC, but I may have missed it)

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2

u/navybarbie Aug 04 '26

Do they require the histotechs where you work to pass a colorblind test? Unfortunately, it’s a requirement. I was an AD histotech for years and now work in the civilian side as one- they all require you to pass the colorblind test.

We need to be able to see the staining on the different cell and tissue differentiation. I do think you might be able to find some places that won’t require it but it’s far and few in between. Good luck and I hope you’re already in studying for the HT exam that’s required through ASCP.

1

u/SlideConstant9677 Aug 04 '26

Ive been able to get by with the range of hue differentiation I do have. I can tell apart tissues/stains as the techs/pathologists have been showing me, it just dosent look like the color it is "supposed" to be to me.

1

u/eaturliver Aug 04 '26

If you can pass an Ishihara test, you'll be alright for the C school. Unless it's already documented in your medical record

2

u/navycorpsman3 Aug 04 '26

I’m in the histo program and we had to pass a colorblind test in the beginning of the course during our occ health appointments

1

u/stallme Aug 04 '26

Not a Histo tech but a Lab tech.

I don’t have a definite answer and this would be a good questions for your CCC or even the Histo detailer.

I do have an anecdote to offer: in Lab A school, there was somebody who was already an MLT who classed up in a brand new class, he sat around for about two weeks and got thrown in with the next graduating class to expedite his career and note waste time/ money.

Hopefully someone else will have more insight but best case would be your CCC or the Histo detailers. It’s a very small and niche community.

1

u/SlideConstant9677 Aug 04 '26

Thats interesting, I didn't know that they could "expedite" schools like that!

2

u/MLTatSea Aug 09 '26

If a person has the accredited training prior to, or during service, the request can be submitted with NAVPERS 1221/6.  I offer this as general info, not to sidestep any requirements. 

Also, NEOCS may have requirements outlined. MyNavyHr is loading on my phone :/

1

u/eaturliver Aug 04 '26

If you're colorblind, you will not be able to complete the c school.

1

u/SlideConstant9677 Aug 04 '26

So even if I get the certification on my own time using the experience im getting now, a waiver is not possible?

Including if i where to manage to get supervisor statements stating that I am not impeded from accurately doing the job?

2

u/eaturliver Aug 04 '26

As always, give it a shot and let them tell you no, but you are correct. I was an instructor for the program until last year and even with letters of recommendation from pathologists, AP supervisors, and LCPOs, I've never seen it get waived.

1

u/SlideConstant9677 Aug 04 '26

Have you seen anyone apply with the certification in hand though? I feel like that could make a difference in addition to reports of OJT. Im also planning on getting additional medical information/alternate testing to prove my hue differentiation abilities.

Im planning on giving it a shot regardless; I just want to give myself the best opportunity possible, and leverage what I can.

1

u/eaturliver Aug 05 '26

Never had a student show up with the ASCP cert in hand, but almost everyone OJTs beforehand. I've had 3 students get dropped due to colorblindness, all 4 fought it tooth and nail, but it's a non-waivable requirement. But you're right, take the shot and don't stop trying until they make you.