Pre-Cytotechnology Education

The Cytotechnology Profession
Cytotechnology is an allied health specialty that offers exciting possibilities for those who want a career in science and a significant role in health care.  Working with a microscope, cytotechnologists study specimens from all body sites.  Using subtle clues in the cells themselves, cytotechnologists can solve the mystery of disease by diagnosing cancer, precancerous lesions, benign tumors, infectious agents and inflammatory processes.  Cytotechnologists help save lives by discovering certain diseases early when treatment is most effective.  Cytotechnologists are employed at the staff level in hospital and private laboratories, university medical centers and government facilities.  With experience, positions are available at the supervisory, educational and administrative levels.  The job responsibilities of cytotechnologists are expanding and research opportunities are increasing with the advancement of new tumor identification techniques.  Thus a career as a cytotechnologist can be both challenging and rewarding. 

Cytotechnology Education
Cytotechnology training programs are offered at the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate (certificate) levels and are located in both hospital and university settings.  Training at the post-baccalaureate (certificate) level typically is a twelve-month curriculum.  The Division of Cytotechnology in the School of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) offers a twelve-month, 32-semester hour program leading to a post-baccalaureate certificate and eligibility for national certification. The following website provides a listing of accredited programs in cytotechnology: http://www.cytopathology.org/programs/.

Undergraduate Preparation
Specific course requirements vary among schools; however, 20 semester hours of biological sciences, 8 semester hours of chemistry, and 3 semester hours of math are required for most programs.  Since some programs provide students an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree while enrolled in the program, students should refer to the web site, http://www.cytopathology.org/programs/, to determine what the prerequisite coursework would be for each institution or hospital.  Students applying to the UNMC School of Allied Health Professions Division of Cytotechnology must possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA and Science/Math GPA of 2.8.

Required Courses
The following are entrance requirements for UNMC School of Allied Health Professions Division of Cytotechnology.  Students who are considering cytotechnology programs outside of Nebraska are encouraged to contact those programs directly for a list of entrance requirements.

1. Required Coursework 

Mathematics - 3 hours 

Biological Sciences - 20 hours 

General Chemistry with lab - 8

Extracurricular Experiences
Pre-cytotechnology students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular experiences such as leadership roles, volunteer work, research, and shadowing, which will help prepare them for a profession as a cytotechnologist.  Extracurricular experiences play a significant role in a student’s application to a professional school program and exploration of the profession.  Such experiences demonstrate a commitment to and knowledge about the profession.  In particular, shadowing cytotechnologists, working in lab settings, and involvement with clubs such as the Pre-Health Club will help students to learn more about the cytotechnology profession.   To be competitive, students should emphasize health care experience.

Application and Admission
Students interested in pursuing the certification in cytotechnology at an accredited program will follow the specific application procedures for each program.  A directory of the accredited programs in cytotechnology can be found at http://www.cytopathology.org/programs/.  Some programs will require an interview and receipt of letters of recommendation prior to admittance to the program.  For UNMC, students must submit an application, official college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation by the March 1 deadline.

Additional Resources
American Society of Cytopathology
http://www.cytopathology.org/

American Society for Cytotechnology
http://www.asct.com/

University of Nebraska Medical Center
School of Allied Health Professions, Division of Cytotechnology
Amber Donnelly, MPH, SCT
987549 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE  68198-7549
Phone: 402-552-2043 or 800-626-8431, ext. 8366
Email: addonnelly@unmc.edu

http://www.unmc.edu/apps/alliedhealth/ct/