Cytotechnology

The cytotechnology job market is excellent, with positions available throughout the country in both urban and rural settings.

Degree Offered

The School of Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cytotechnology.

The program is administered by:

Dean: Michael J. Ahearn, Ph.D.
Program Director: Stephanie Hamilton, Ed.D., SCT (ASCP), IAC
Education Coordinator: Catherine Murphy, M.S., SCT (ASCP), MT (ASCP)
Medical Advisor: Gregg Staerkel, M.D.

Roster of Faculty

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Careers in Cytotechnology

A career as a cytotechnologist is both challenging and rewarding.

Working with a microscope, cytotechnologists study specimens from all body sites. Using subtle clues present within the cells, they can diagnose cancer, precancerous lesions, benign tumors, infectious agents and inflammatory processes. They can also save lives by discovering certain diseases early when treatment is most effective.

The primary goal of the Cytotechnology program is to provide the community with cytotechnologists who are prepared to work at the staff level in hospital and private laboratories and university medical centers.

With experience, cytotechnologists can perform 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 and Human Papilloma Virus testing.

The cytotechnology job market is excellent, with positions available throughout the country in both urban and rural settings.

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Degree Objectives

The students enrolled in the Program of Cytotechnology are offered training in all major aspects relevant to the practice of cytotechnology as a profession. The program conforms to the standards and guidelines published by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) of the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC).

The study consists of:

• Lectures
• Demonstrations at the multiheaded microscope in a tutored setting
• Rotations through various cytology laboratories providing experience in routine and specialized procedures

Upon completion of the study, the student is eligible to take the national certification exams given by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

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Requirements for Admission

Students may pursue a Bachelor of Science degree. Those who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree and have the required prerequisite coursework may enter the program:

• At the junior level provided they have a minimum of 60 semester credit hours or
• At the senior level provided they have a minimum of 90 semester credit hours

Bachelor of Science Degree

Applicants to the Cytotechnology program pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must satisfy the following requirements for admission:

All prerequisite coursework must be from an accredited college or university. The applicant must have satisfactorily completed all undergraduate courses listed prior to beginning the course of study; these courses must be acceptable as credit for a Bachelor of Science degree and cannot be survey courses.

Applicants must have completed all core curriculum courses required by the Texas Education Code and all biology and chemistry courses required by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Each candidate for a baccalaureate degree must complete a minimum of 135 semester credit hours of course work. Within this requirement, students must complete the following at M. D. Anderson:

• At least 40 semester credit hours of advanced (3000/4000) course work
• At least 25% of the total semester credit hours required must be taken at M. D. Anderson

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale both overall and in the science courses is required.

Prerequisites for the two-year program: a minimum of 60 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include courses described in parts A & B below.

Part A. The Texas Core Curriculum – 42 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include the following specific courses:

Course Area	Required Semester Hours
Communication (English rhetoric/composition) Must include: 6 hours of rhetoric/composition* — ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, ENGL 1311, ENGL 1312, ENGL 2311, ENGL 2314, ENGL 2315 or equivalent	6
Humanities and Visual and Performing Arts Must include: 3 hours in visual and performing arts — courses with prefixes: ARTS, DANC, MUAP, MUEN, MUSI, DRAM or equivalent 3 hours in “Humanities,” including literature, Philosophy, modern or classical language/literature, Upper Division Foreign Language and cultural studies	6
Mathematics 3 hours in College Algebra — MATH 1314 or higher or (STATS) MATH 1342, MATH 1442, MATH 2342, MATH 2442, or PSYC 2317 or equivalent	3
Natural Sciences** (see Part B for list of required courses) Courses with the prefix BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS or other natural sciences. Inclusion of Biology is highly recommended.	12**
Social and Behavioral Sciences Must include: 6 hours of U.S. History* — either HIST 1301 and HIST 1302, HIST 1301 and HIST 2301 or HIST 1302 and HIST 2301 (May include Texas History) 6 hours of political science* — GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2302 or GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2305 or GOVT 2301 and GOVT 2306 or GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306 (Must include U.S. and Texas Constitution) 3 hours of social/behavioral science — Courses with prefixes ANTH, ECON, CRIJ, GEOG, PSYC, SOCI and SOCW	15
Total M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Core Curriculum Semester Credit Hours	42

*Part B. Minimum of 18 additional semester credit hours (SCH) required for entry into the two-year program for Cytotechnology.

**Required Natural Sciences that can also be used to fulfill the candidate’s Texas Core Curriculum SCH:

• Biological sciences: minimum 8 SCH, including Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
• Chemistry: minimum 8 SCH, including General Chemistry I and II (4 and 4)

Recommended Natural Science electives: General Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Parasitology, Histology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Prerequisites for the one-year program:

• A minimum of 90 semester credit hours (SCH) of which 18 semester credit hours must be upper level division courses (i.e., 300, 3000, 400, 4000)
• Part A. The Texas Core Curriculum – 42 semester credit hours (SCH) that must include the specific courses listed above
• Biological sciences – minimum 20 semester credit hours, including Human Anatomy and Physiology (4) – See recommended elective listed above
• Chemistry – minimum 8 semester credit hours (SCH), including General Chemistry I and II (4 and 4)

*Up to 15 hours may be obtained from advanced standing examinations such as CLEP or its equivalent, but no more than 8 of these hours will be accepted in the sciences.

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Minimum Requirements

Formal application to the program

An official transcript from a regionally accredited college/university bearing the embossed seal of the college/university

Foreign graduates must have a course-by-course evaluation by an agency approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Three letters of recommendation, preferably from teachers or employers

Aptitude test and personal interview

Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - All applicants must provide proof of successful assessment of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Applicants who have graduated with an associate or baccalaureate degree from an accredited Texas College or University are exempt from TSI. Proof of an applicant's readiness to enroll in college level coursework will be determined by the Registrar's Office based upon review of official transcripts from previously attended institutions.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Applicants from countries where English is not the native language may be required to take the TOEFL. Internet based TOEFL is now available and a total test score ranging from 74-78 with a minimum score of 18 in each section is required.

All information must be received by February 1 in order to be considered for admission to the upcoming class.

Candidates who completed the prerequisite courses seven or more years before application must update their academic skills in biology, with two courses in Anatomy and/or Physiology, 3 semester hours each with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Admission is on a competitive basis. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Factors considered in the selection of applicants include cumulative grade point average, biology and chemistry grade point average, personal qualities such as maturity and career goals, letters of recommendation, a personal interview and an aptitude test.

Consideration for admission to any one of the School of Health Professions programs is not based on race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, age or disability. Students who have disabilities that require accommodation should discuss these with the program director early in the year. Documentation may be required to verify certain disabilities.

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Nonacademic Requirements

Each student in the Cytotechnology program must have:

Visual acuity corrected to 20/20 and visual perception with respect to depth and color

Sufficient motor function to operate/manipulate a microscope and other laboratory instruments or equipment

Dexterity with arms, wrists, hands and all fingers

The ability to measure, calculate, analyze, interpret, synthesize and evaluate data

The ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationship of objects viewed with a microscope

Students are expected to maintain high academic performance and display appropriate professional and ethical behavior during all phases of their education and training

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Curriculum

This intensive program is composed of a didactic and laboratory phase followed by directed clinical training at affiliated hospitals and cytology laboratories.

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Affiliations

The Program in Cytotechnology has developed affiliations with reference labs and sister medical institutions within the Texas Medical Center and beyond, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified cytotechnologist.

Current affiliations:

• Houston, TX: LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, The Methodist Hospital
• Galveston, TX: The University of Texas Medical Branch

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Coursework

*For incoming students without these courses

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Course Descriptions

CT 4101 Introduction to Cytotechnology (1 semester credit hour)
The student is introduced to the ethics and liability of the profession, the use of the light microscope and the professional role of the cytotechnologist. The course also includes lectures on the basic cellular structure and function, cell division, the origins of clinical cytology, evaluation of the cell sample and slide marking.

CT 4102 Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques I (1 semester credit hour)
The course consists of the basic study and practice of techniques used for handling cytological specimen preparation and fixation and staining of specimens for cytological study, including compliance with laboratory safety, biohazard precautions and HPV testing.

CT 4107 Nongynecologic Cytopathology II (1 semester credit hour)
Students will study the normal anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract, central nervous system and body cavities. They learn cytomorphology of benign and malignant conditions of these organs/sites.

CT 4111 Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques II (1 semester credit hour)
The course consists of the advanced study and practice of techniques used for handling specimen preparation, fixation and staining of specimens for cytological study including compliance with laboratory safety and biohazard precautions. Special techniques include Thin-Prep processing, Autoctye preparation, Ficoll-Hypaque technique, cell block preparation and special stains (Gomori's methenamine silver and Diff-quik stains).

CT 4114 Research Project (1 semester credit hour)
Guided study and/or research on a specific cytopathological issue. Includes collection and study of cases, photography, literature reviews, compiling data and poster or paper presentation.

CT 4118 Immunocytochemistry, Image Analysis (1 semester credit hour)
Introduction to theoretical knowledge and practical experience in these adjunct diagnostic techniques.

CT 4119 Cytogenetics, Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization and Polymerase Chain Reaction (1 semester credit hour)
Introduction to cytogenetic study (theoretical knowledge) and practical experience in fluorescent in situ hybridization technique and Polymerase Chain Reaction.

CT 4120 Laboratory Management (1 semester credit hour)
Introduction to quality control and assurance, laboratory regulations, inventory methods, budgeting, information systems and leadership.

CT 4209 Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytopathology (2 semester credit hours)
The study of normal anatomy and cytology of benign and malignant pathology and corresponding cytomorphological features of fine-needle aspiration specimens from lung, breast, thyroid, salivary gland, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, bone, soft tissue, skin and lymph nodes.

CT 4213 Nongynecologic Diagnostic Laboratory II (2 semester credit hours)
The course consists of an advanced study of cytomorphological features of respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and central nervous systems and effusions for microscopic and clinical analysis of exfoliative nongynecologic specimens. The students will have hands-on laboratory experience.

CT 4216 Cytopathology Theory (2 semester credit hours)
Medical terminology and cytopathology theory.

CT 4217 Cytopathology Diagnostic Laboratory (2 semester credit hours)
The student will learn to apply cytodiagnostic criteria on gynecological, nongynecologic and fine-needle aspiration specimens and develop practical expertise in microscopic and clinical analysis of these specimens to provide an accurate diagnosis. The students will have hands-on laboratory experience.

CT 4303 Gynecologic Cytopathology (3 semester credit hours)
Students will study the normal anatomy, physiology and benign and malignant pathology of the female genital tract and corresponding cytomorphological features, as well as the value of cytological diagnosis in patient management.

CT 4305 Nongynecologic Cytopathology I (3 semester credit hours)
Students will study the normal anatomy, physiology and benign and malignant pathology with corresponding cytomorphological features of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. The value of cytological diagnosis in patient management is included.

CT 4306 Nongynecologic Diagnostic Laboratory I (3 semester credit hours)
The course consists of the application of cytomorphological features of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract for microscopic and clinical analysis of exfoliative nongynecologic specimens from these organs. The students will have hands-on laboratory experience.

CT 4308 Gynecologic Diagnostic Laboratory II (3 semester credit hours)
The course consists of the application of cytodiagnostic criteria for microscopic analysis (screening, detecting, marking and diagnosis), and reporting cervicovaginal specimens in conjunction with clinical history. SurePath preparations are used as study material.

CT 4310 Fine-Needle Aspiration Diagnostic Laboratory (3 semester credit hours)
The students will have hands-on laboratory experience as they learn to apply cytodiagnostic criteria and develop practical expertise in microscopic and clinical analysis of fine-needle aspiration specimens from lung, breast, thyroid, salivary gland, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, bone, soft tissue, skin and lymph nodes with clinical correlation.

CT 4312 Gynecologic Diagnostic Laboratory III (3 semester credit hours)
The course consists of advanced application of cytodiagnostic criteria for microscopic analysis (screening, detecting, marking and diagnosis) and reporting cervicovaginal specimens on conventional and Thin Prep monolayer preparation in conjunction with clinical history. Quality control and clinical ethics are included. Thin Prep monolayer preparations are used as study material.

CT 4404 Gynecologic Diagnostic Laboratory I (4 semester credit hours)
The course consists of basic application of cytodiagnostic criteria for microscopic and clinical analysis (screening, detecting, marking and diagnosing) and reporting cervicovaginal specimens in conjunction with clinical history. Conventional pap smears and monolayer preparations of gynecologic specimens are used. The students will have hands-on laboratory experience.

CT 4715 Clinical Rotation (7 semester credit hours)
The student will have laboratory and clinical experience in all of the following laboratories: Laboratory Corporation of America, Cytology Laboratory (2 weeks); The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (1 week); Quest Diagnostics Laboratory (1 week); M. D. Anderson Cytology Processing Laboratory (2 weeks); Deep Fine-Needle Aspiration Clinic Laboratory (2 weeks); Superficial Fine-Needle Aspiration Clinic Laboratory (2 weeks); and cytology specimen screening (two weeks).

HS 3101 Basic Techniques Laboratory (1 semester credit hour)
An introduction to basic clinical laboratory skills common to all diagnostic programs. Emphasis on proper use of pipettors and micropipettors, sterile techniques, laboratory safety, chemical storage and proper waste disposal, calibration and use of balances, centrifuges and spectrophotometers, serial dilutions, making buffers from stocks, microscopy and slide making. (Admission to Program)

HS 3102 Molecular Techniques Laboratory (1 semester credit hour)
A study of the laboratory skills involved in transporting, preparing and reporting final results of specimens that include blood, bone marrow and solid tissue samples. The course will provide participants with hands-on laboratory experience in: performing molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, purification and quantification; preparing and viewing PCR products and DNA fingerprints via gel electrophoresis and bacterial transformation. (Admission to Program)

HS 3254 Immunohistochemistry (2 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive course that deals with the fundamentals of immunohistochemistry as applied to the theory and practical techniques in histopathology. The students acquire basic knowledge of how immunology is applied in the development of immunohistochemistry reagents and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical significance of diagnostic and prognostic indicators used in immunohistochemistry techniques. Troubleshooting and standardization of reagents are emphasized. (Admission to Program)

HS 3300 Immunology (3 semester credit hours)
This course focuses on the basic concepts in immunology. General properties of immune responses; cells and tissues of immune system; lymphocyte activation and specificity; effector mechanisms; immunity to microbes; immunodeficiency and AIDS; autoimmune diseases; transplantation. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)

HS 3320 Medical Genetics (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the role of genetics in medicine, mendelian genetics, multifactorial inheritance, DNA structure, chromosome structure, population genetics, mutation rates, ethnicity of disease and genetic mapping. A comprehensive review of the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and pedigree analysis is incorporated as well. (Admission to Program)

HS 3330 Pathology of Body Fluids (3 semester credit hours)
A study of the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and the formation, elimination and composition of urine. Various body fluids (CSF, Synovial, Plural, Serous, etc.) will be study and associations made with various disease states. Interpretation of urinary and body fluids elements, chemical assays and the correlation with normal and abnormal physiology. Course delivery a blend of lecture and on line, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)

HS 3340 Research Seminar (3 semester credit hours)
The Research Seminar course will introduce the basic language and concepts of empirical research with emphasis on the applicability of research methodology in the area of clinical laboratory sciences. Students will have opportunity to learn how to search the peer-reviewed journal databases available to them through the Research Library. They will then critique and review their references and learn how to make an outline and write a literature review on their assigned topic. Curriculum will include a blend of lectures, a weekly journal club presented by area scientists and in-class, self-paced activities. (Admission to Program)

HS 3410 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences (4 semester credit hours)
This course is an introduction to medical terminology. Emphasis is on word roots, prefixes, suffixes, spelling and analysis of unfamiliar terms. Additional background information on the anatomy that relates to various body systems will be discussed. Included is a review of the principles of mathematics and statistics used in clinical laboratories. Course presentation includes introduction to the operation of a laboratory information system. Course delivery is on-line, interactive, self-paced. (Admission to Program)

HS 4100 Issues in Health Care Ethics (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to establish a foundation and set parameters of professional practice for health care professionals. The emphasis will be on developing the background for the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning, ethical obligations in health professional/patient relationships and fair allocation of scarce health care resources.

HS 4101 Diversity and Cultural Competence (1 semester credit hour)
This course content is designed to create an awareness of ethnocentrism and a beginning understanding of cultural similarities and diversity. It provides the student with knowledge of the concepts of cultural relativity, cultural integration and variation in cultural values, organization and institutions.

HS 4110 Molecular Genetics Technology (1 semester credit hour)
The study of clinical laboratory molecular diagnostic procedures utilizing recombinant DNA technology and its application to the many aspects of the clinical laboratory. Prerequisites: GT 4230, CC 4531

HS 4170 Special Topics I (1 semester credit hour)
A review of the principles of mathematics and statistics used in the clinical laboratories. Course presentation includes introduction to the selection and operation of a laboratory information system.

HS 4300 Pathophysiology (3 semester credit hours)
This course is designed to provide basic knowledge in pathophysiology in preparation for professional studies in the health sciences. Topic covered includes central concepts of pathophysiology of the cells and tissues and alterations on organs and systems with an emphasis on carcinogenesis. Appropriate diagnostic and treatment procedures are covered.

HS 4510 Medical Microbiology (5 semester credit hours)
Study of the utilization of morphological, biochemical, serological, disease inducing characteristics for microorganism, fungi, mycobacterium and virus identification. Course de

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