The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center School of Health Sciences has designed a program to prepare the student for a challenging and exciting career as a cytogenetic technologist.

This one-year program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Note: Page will open in a new browser window.

Program Dates

Beginning: Mid August

Ending: Third Friday in August

A Career as a Cytogenetic Technologist

Clinical cytogenetics is the specialty that studies cell division and the structure of chromosomes as applied to the diagnosis and monitoring of acquired and inherited abnormalities.

The most widely recognized use of cytogenetics is in prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. Cytogenetic technology is also used in the study of acquired chromosomal abnormalities present in various forms of cancer.

Discovery

In recent years the Human Genome Project has greatly affected genetic testing at all levels. The discovery of new genes and the identification of the DNA sequence and location of diagnostically relevant genes have lead to the development of the new field of molecular cytogenetics.

It is now widely accepted that most human disease is caused in part by a genetic defect. Identification of these genetic abnormalities has become an essential part in the medical treatment of patients in many specialty institutions across the country.

Objectives

Please see the Health Sciences Student Catalog for a review of the objectives of the M. D. Anderson Program in Cytogenetic Technology. The review concludes with a description of career options.

Duties

The primary responsibility of the clinical cytogenetic technologist is the analysis and karyotyping of human chromosome preparations. The clinical genetics technologist must be able to perform all aspects of the cytogenetic procedure. Cytogenetics requires a basic understanding of cell culture and the cell growth cycle, the biochemistry of staining procedures, microscopy, photomicroscopy, darkroom techniques, and new techniques in molecular biology.

As a member of the health care team, a cytogenetic technologist uses a strong background in the sciences to do cytogenetic analysis, a crucial step in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and follow-up of genetic disorders. Cytogenetic results may also indicate that genetic counseling is required for family members other than the patient.

Salary

According to the salary survey conducted by the Department of Academic Affairs at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, the average starting salary for a staff cytogenetic technologist is $37,000 to $40,000.

Description of the Cytogenetic Technology Program

The Program in Cytogenetic Technology is a three-semester, highly intensive course of study in preparation for national certification as a cytogenetic technologist.

For each course you will receive classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and technical experience. Because The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is one of the largest cancer centers in the world, many special areas of instruction can be presented, such as multiplex FISH, microdissection of chromosomes, and comparative genomic hybridization.

Curriculum

The Program includes the following courses:

• Medical Genetics
• Clinical Cytogenetics
• Prenatal Cytogenetics
• Cytogenetics of Hematological Malignancies
• Cytogenetics of Solid Tumors and Environmental Mutagens
• Molecular Genetic Technology
• Basic Laboratory Techniques
• Fundamentals of Hematology
• Advanced Hematology
• Independent Research Project
• Special Topics
• Laboratory Mathematics
• Management and Education Skills
• Computer Technology
• Genetics
• Cytogenetic Journal Club

Upon successful completion of our Program you will be awarded either a Baccalaureate Degree or Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the national certification exams.

Please see the Health Sciences Student Catalog for more information about the curriculum and course descriptions.

Requirements

Classroom instruction and demonstration of competency precede hands-on activities. Students must complete each course with a minimum grade of 70% to remain in the Program.

Activities

Under the direct supervision of experienced and certified cytogenetic technologists, students perform procedures using analytical methodology in a clinical cytogenetic laboratory.

Students set up cultures for chromosome analysis on peripheral blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and tissue specimens. Techniques for harvesting and preparing slides from these various cultures are described in detail, and students gain hands-on experience. Students do not work with material that is used for patient reporting.

Students also learn the specialized staining techniques required to differentiate special regions of human chromosomes and to induce specific banding patterns necessary for the identification of genetic changes. These techniques include but are not limited to:

• GTG banding
• QFQ banding
• CBG banding

Using the GTG banding technique, students spend a significant portion of the course mastering the pattern recognition necessary for accurate identification of normal human chromosomes. Students become familiar with common abnormal banding patterns associated with genetic disease.

DNA probe methodology is an important part of the curriculum, and students become proficient in labeling of DNA with fluorescent dyes and hybridization of DNA to target DNA both on agarose gels and glass microscope slides. Techniques learned include:

• Southern blot analysis
• PCR methodology
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization

Students are instructed in the methodology required to scan, review, count cells, and analyze slides for metaphase spreads. The curriculum includes detailed instructions in imaging of cytogenetic preparations with conventional photography and darkroom techniques as well as with automated computer imaging systems.

Why M. D. Anderson?

In a recent nationwide survey published in U.S. News and World Report, M. D. Anderson was named number one in the nation in cancer care. One of the models for federally designated comprehensive cancer centers, this 514-bed hospital is internationally recognized for its exceptional strength in patient care, research, and educational programs.

The Cytogenetic Technology Faculty Team

M. D. Anderson's reputation attracts experts in all fields to the institution; therefore, the faculty members possess an unparalleled level of knowledge and technical expertise.

We are proud of our faculty team, which includes world-renowned pioneers in cytogenetics, who along with other faculty members actively participate in the rapidly progressing field of cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics.

The large faculty enables you to receive instruction that is primarily structured on a one-to-one basis. Faculty members know their students well and therefore are able to provide guidance based upon their understanding of your unique needs.

Administrators

The Program in Cytogenetic Technology is administered by:

Roster of Faculty

A current roster of Cytogenetic Technology faculty is published in the Health Sciences Student Catalog.

Admission & Application

Resources

Cytogenetic Technology

Visit the sites below for more information about a career in cytogenetic technology.

• Cytogenetics and Chromosomal Disorders (http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/genetics/medgen/chromo/index.html)
• The Biology Project: Human Biology (http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/human_bio.html)
• University of Arizona’s The Biology Project: Human Biology Karyotyping Activity (http://www.biology.arizona.edu/human_bio/activities/karyotyping/karyotyping.html)
• Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society: The Human Genome Project and Beyond (2003) (http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/publicat/primer/index.shtml)
• Genetics Education Center (http://www.kumc.edu/gec/)
• Genetic Technology Education Programs (http://www.agt-info.org/Training%20Program.htm)

Houston

Visit the sites below for more information about the Houston area.

• City of Houston (http://www.cityofhouston.gov/)
• Welcome to Houston (http://www.houston-guide.com/)
• About Houston (http://www.uh.edu/houston/)
• Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/)

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