Advanced Pathology Techniques for Technicians in Precision Oncology

This vocational master is designed to train high-level Biomedical Laboratory Technicians (TSLB) in the field of pathological anatomy in oncology, responding to the growing demand for professionals with specialised expertise to support histopathological and molecular diagnostics. The goal is to provide in-depth training across multiple areas. Specifically, in macroscopic examination, participants will acquire skills in handling biopsy and surgical specimens (including their preparation, description, orientation and sampling) and biobanking. Regarding molecular pathology, the training will cover request management, sample preparation and the use of key analytical techniques, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), in-situ hybridisation and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies. Additionally, the programme will explore the use of digital pathology tools, with a focus on scanning, automated archiving and the fundamental concepts of digital pathology. This vocational master is strongly practice-oriented, as it requires students to complete an internship in certified laboratories under the supervision of expert pathologists. Participants will be well-prepared to collaborate actively with anatomical pathologists, contributing to the integration of traditional and digital technologies within diagnostic workflows. The programme also places particular emphasis on continuous professional development, ensuring that participants acquire up-to-date competencies in line with the latest innovations in the field.

The programme will start in the first semester of a. y. 2025/2026 and will comprise 120 of online lectures (corresponding to 15 CFU, i.e. university credits) and 395 hours (31 CFU) of other forms of training, 98 of which will be delivered via e-learning. In-person activities will take place at the European Institute of Oncology.

Rounding out the programme activities are a 250-hour internship (10 CFU) and a final exam (4 CFU), for which students will have to produce and defend a technical-practical project with the aim of evaluating the theoretical and practical skills they acquired during the programme.

Upon completion of all activities, participants will be awarded 60 CFU.