Cytotechnology
in the School of Health Professions
Cytotechnology
Cytotechnology is a specialty devoted to the study of cells and the early detection of cancer.
At MD Anderson, the curriculum is infused with interactive lectures, hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and clinical experiences that provide students with unparalleled learning opportunities. The program culminates in a twelve-week clinical rotation and exceptionally prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers as cytotechnologists..
The program is transitioning to a Master of Science degree in the Fall of 2026. The last cohort of the One-Year Track is admitted for the Fall of 2025: One-Year Track prerequisites and FAQs (pdf).
A Career That is Evolving with Technology and Precision Medicine
Cytotechnologists are versatile, highly specialized members of the Anatomic Pathology team. They work closely with pathologists and are primarily focused on microscopically identifying infectious agents and abnormal cellular changes, including those associated with cancer.
In this era of precision medicine, the scope of practice for the field of cytotechnology is evolving! In addition to evaluating the cellular morphology of preparations, cytotechnologists often perform ancillary high-complexity testing, like Urovysion testing in cytogenetics, HPV genotyping in the diagnostic molecular lab, preliminary immunohistochemical stain analysis and flow cytometric assays to evaluate solid tumors. Today, cytotechnologists are being trained to correlate concurrent test results with cytologic findings to assist pathologists and clinicians with solving diagnostic puzzles.
If you are seeking a career that’s challenging and incredibly rewarding – one that allows you to play a key role in connecting the pieces of the diagnostic puzzle to render a diagnosis, then Cytotechnology may be the field for you!
An Overview of Cytotechnology
Administration
Program Director
Catherine Bammert, Ph.D.,CT,MB(ASCP)CM
Executive Advisor
Wendong Yu, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology
MD Anderson Cancer Center
View the complete roster of SHP educators
Accreditation
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Cytotechnology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs () upon recommendation of the Cytology Programs Review Committee (CPRC).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP
9355-113th Street N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone 727-210-2350
Fax 727-210-2354
Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the Board of Certification (BOC exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP.
Clinical Affiliations
The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions in Texas, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified cytotechnologist. During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated clinical laboratories.
There is a Critical Need for Cytotechnologists in Clinical Laboratories
Nationally, there is a tremendous shortage of cytotechnologists. According to surveys and articles authored by professional societies, there are approximately 500 unfilled cytotechnology positions in the United States with 16% of the current practicing cytotechnologists expected to retire within the next five years.
The shortage of cytotechnologists is intensifying due to the fact that, for the past five years, an average of 134 new cytotechnologists are taking the national registry exam and entering the workforce each year. Additionally, there are not many accredited Cytotechnology Schools in the nation. While they have the ability to accept and train additional students, they are only filling to 68% capacity.
Outcome Measures-Effectiveness Data
Credentialing Examination
Five-year average credentialing examination of the ASCP Board of Certification Exam pass rate of not less than 80% at first attempt within twelve months of graduation.
| Year | Pass Rate | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | n/a | n/a |
| 2021 | 57% | 4 of 7 passed |
| 2022 | 75% | 9 of 12 passed |
| 2023 | 100% | 5 of 5 passed |
| 2024 | 100% | 10 of 10 passed |
4-Year Average 85.7% (28 of 34)
Program Completion
Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the clinical phase of the program within 150% of the stated program length. The program length for the clinical phase of the program is 16 months and program completion rate is defined as those students graduating within 16 months of beginning the clinical phase of the program.
| Year | Completion Rate | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | n/a | n/a |
| 2021 | 100% | 7 admitted; 7 graduated |
| 2022 | 100% | 12 admitted; 12 graduated |
| 2023 | 100% | 5 admitted; 5 graduated |
| 2024 | 100% | 10 admitted; 10 graduated |
4-Year Average 100% (34 of 34)
Job Placement
Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75% within twelve months of graduation.
| Year | Placement Rate | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | n/a | n/a |
| 2021 | 100% | 4 of 4 employed |
| 2022 | 100% | 11 of 11 employed |
| 2023 | 100% | 5 of 5 employed |
| 2024 | pending | pending |
3-Year Average 100% (20 of 20)
Dr. Catherine Bammert
713-792-2889
CEBammert@mdanderson.edu
School of Health Professions
713-745-1205
askSHP@mdanderson.edu