Cytogenetic technologists study the structure of human chromosomes and the role of specific changes in the diagnosis and monitoring of acquired and inherited abnormalities.

Degree and Certificate Offered

The School of Health Sciences offers the following programs in Cytogenetic Technology:

The programs are administered by:

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Roster of Faculty

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Objectives

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Program of Cytogenetic Technology is designed to prepare students to become entry-level clinical cytogenetic technologists. The program provides instruction and training in all the major areas of clinical cytogenetics, including prenatal cytogenetics; cancer cytogenetics, including leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors; and molecular techniques. The curriculum includes didactic training followed by directed clinical training at affiliated hospitals and laboratories. Students may enter the program to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree or postbaccalaureate certificate.

Cytogenetic technologists study the structure of human chromosomes and the role of specific changes in the diagnosis and monitoring of acquired and inherited abnormalities.

Abnormalities of chromosome number and morphology are linked with over 200 syndromes associated with mental retardation and other phenotypic abnormalities. Identification of these chromosomal abnormalities by cytogenetic technologists provides clinicians in prenatal clinics with sufficient information to plan for medical complications that may arise from specific gene defects. In addition, cytogenetic technologists work in cancer clinics.

Cancer cytogenetics is a rapidly growing field where the cytogeneticist plays a key role in the diagnosis and prognosis of both hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

Cytogenetic technologists are leaders in the development of applications for new DNA technologies that are transforming modern-day medicine.

DNA probe technology is widely used in both prenatal and cancer cytogenetics. Cytogeneticists use molecular DNA techniques and computer imaging to augment standard cytogenetic investigation. DNA probes hybridized to human chromosomes provide information to scientists and clinicians about gene location, deletion, rearrangement, or amplification.

As the Human Genome Project leads to the discovery of an increasing number of genes important in human disease processes, cytogeneticists will play an ever-increasing role in diagnostic patient care.

Cytogenetic technologists have a wide range of career options. They are employed in cancer centers, pediatric and genetic counseling clinics, chemical industries, biotechnology companies, research laboratories, molecular cytogenetic laboratories, computer imaging sales and development, pathology labs, and research and teaching institutions. Some combine administrative and managerial talent with their cytogenetic technology background to become laboratory or hospital administrators.

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Requirements for Admission

Students may pursue either a Bachelor of Science degree or a postbaccalaureate certificate. Those who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science degree and have the required prerequisite coursework may enter as seniors for three semesters of professional study. Those who already have a baccalaureate degree may enter, if they have the required prerequisites, for a second degree or as postbaccalaureate certificate students. Application and supporting documents must be submitted by February 1.

Note also the following requirements:

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 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. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based version is required.

An early acceptance plan is available to qualified applicants who are seeking a baccalaureate degree. For more information, please see Early Acceptance Track

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Nonacademic Requirements

In addition to the nonacademic requirements for all students (see Admission policy), each student in the Cytogenetic Technology program must be able to:

Visually identify cellular components and microorganisms using a microscope.

Discriminate and visually interpret reactions on slides and plates and in test tubes.

Demonstrate the manual dexterity required to process specimens; operate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment; and carry out all aspects of laboratory testing procedures.

Ambulate sufficiently to collect blood specimens from patients throughout the hospital in an established time frame.

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Bachelor of Science Degree

Applicants to the Cytogenetic Technology program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree must satisfy several requirements for admission:

First, all prerequisite courses must be acceptable as credit for a baccalaureate degree, and required science courses must be lecture and laboratory courses acceptable toward degrees by majors in those fields of study and cannot be survey courses.

Second, physical education and military science courses are not acceptable for prerequisite credit.

Finally, a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale both overall and in science and mathematics courses is required in all previous college work.

The professional study curriculum in cytogenetic technology is equivalent to the last three semesters of college and comprises 12 months of intensive study. The student may apply to be admitted after having completed 90 or more semester credit hours, which must include at least 18 hours of upper-division (junior or senior level) courses at an accredited institution.

To enroll as a senior, 90 semester hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university must be transferred prior to entering the program to include the specific prerequisite courses listed below, 18 hours of upper-division credit and 45 credit hours of general education.

Recommended courses for electives: upper-division courses in biology and chemistry and courses in molecular biology, computer science, hematology, problem solving, basic research techniques, immunology, and human physiology.

Factors considered in the selection of applicants include cumulative grade point average, science and mathematics grade point averages, personal statement (including career goals, interests, and honors), three letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.

Students without a baccalaureate degree who are admitted to the Cytogenentic Technology program are candidates for the baccalaureate degree conferred by The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Students with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university may receive a second baccalaureate degree from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center by meeting the requirements outlined above.

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Postbaccalaureate Certificate

A person who holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and meets the program prerequisites may be admitted as a postbaccalaureate student and work toward a certificate in Cytogenetic Technology. Coursework in the Cytogenetic Technology program is the same for both baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate students. Upon successful completion of the 12-month curriculum of professional study, the graduate is awarded the postbaccalaureate certificate in regular commencement ceremonies.

To enroll as a postbaccalaureate certificate student, credit is required in the following prerequisite courses:

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Advanced Placement

Students accepted into the Cytogenetic Technology program who feel that they have achieved the objectives of one or more courses through previous academic work or field experience may receive a course credit by achieving a grade of 70 or better on all of the following:

• All written exams

• All practical exams

• Clinical evaluation assessment

• Evaluation of unknown specimens, where applicable

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Graduation

Graduation occurs on the third Friday in August. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the national certification exam for Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics given by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc. (NCA). Please check with the program director for application deadlines and exam dates. Upon passing this exam, the student is considered a certified cytogenetic technologist. The awarding of the degree or certificate is not contingent upon a student passing the national certification exam.

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Curriculum

This intensive 12-month program is composed of a didactic phase followed by directed clinical training at affiliated hospitals and laboratories. During the didactic phase, formal lectures are presented on the principles of medical genetics, molecular and biochemical basis of genetic disease, karyotyping, hematology, clinical cytogenetics, and molecular genetic technology. Laboratory sessions coordinated to lectures and covering the fundamentals of diagnostic laboratory procedures are included in the didactic phase.

During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated clinical laboratories, including:

• Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory, Cellular Genetics Laboratory, and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at M. D. Anderson

• Baylor College of Medicine, Houston

• Dynagene, Inc., Houston

• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Pediatric Genetics Laboratory

• Center for Medical Genetics, Houston

• Clinical experiences in these laboratories offer students the opportunity to achieve competence and confidence in performing a wide variety of cytogenetic procedures on patients' specimens.

The Cytogenetic Technology Program is approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Graduates of the program are eligible to take the CLSp(CG) national certifying examination.

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Course Descriptions

CC 4120 Introduction to G-band Karyotyping (1 semester credit hour)
A detailed study of human G-banded chromosomes. Includes instruction in banding pattern recognition, polymorphic variation, determination of band level, and the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN). Includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

CC 4130 Hematological Cytogenetics (1 semester credit hour) A comprehensive study of the principles and procedures used in the cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow in the study of malignant processes, especially hematological ones. The course emphasizes the chromosome abnormalities occurring in leukemias and lymphomas and their clinical significance.

CC 4131 Independent Research Project II (1 semester credit hour) Continuation of an independent study that may be a case study analysis, laboratory test procedure evaluation, or investigation of a laboratory problem. Includes a paper, poster and oral presentation.

CC 4151 Statistics (1 semester credit hour)
This course is designed for genetic technologists who need to interpret both DNA evidence and nonrandom chromosome abnormalities. The essential elements of statistics and population genetics for these purposes will be covered.

CC 4152 Prenatal Cytogenetics (1 semester credit hour)
A study of indications for prenatal diagnosis and the procedures used to obtain specimens for such diagnoses: ultrasonography, cordocentesis, amniocentesis, and CVS; biochemical assays for metabolic diseases; problems encountered in prenatal chromosome analysis; teratology; and explanations and demonstrations of prenatal cytogenetic techniques and procedures. The course emphasizes the chromosome abnormalities of various syndromes and their clinical significance.

CC 4160 Cytogenetic Journal Club I (1 semester credit hour)
Seminar-based course that covers current topics in cytogenetics and other related fields in the Fall.

CC 4161 Cytogenetic Journal Club II (1 semester credit hour)
Seminar-based course that covers current topics in cytogenetics and other related fields in the Spring.

CC 4210 Molecular and Biochemical Basis of Genetic Disease (2 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive study of inherited disease through examination of genetic mutations in the hemoglobinopathies, enzymopathies, and various structural proteins. This course provides the framework for understanding the relationships between the molecular defect and the nature of its clinical pathology.

CC 4230 Independent Research Project I (2 semester credit hours)
An independent study that may be a case study analysis, laboratory test procedure evaluation, or investigation of a laboratory problem. Includes a paper and oral presentation.

CC 4240 Cytogenetics of Solid Tumors and Environmental Mutagens (2 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive study of the cytogenetic analysis of solid tumors. Course includes the study of tumor origin and development, mechanisms of transformation in carcinogenesis, and random versus nonrandom findings in human solid tumors. The student will also study the mutagenic effects derived from lifestyle and environmental factors as they relate to malignant disease. This course combines both lecture and laboratory experience into one integrated learning experience.

CC 4300 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.

CC 4320 Special Topics in Genetics (3 semester credit hours)
This course will introduce the student to the newest methodologies and topics in genetics. Current topics include fluorescent in situ hybridization, multicolor in situ hybridization, fiber fluorescent in situ hybridization, spectral karyotyping, DNA microarrays, fluorescent in situ hybridization ISCN, the Human Genome Project, transgenic animals, cloning, gene therapy, forensic medicine, DNA sequencing, and chromosome microdissection. This course also includes a 3-day review for the National Credentialing Agency certifying examination.

CC 4350 Clinical Cytogenetics (3 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive study of chromosome morphology and terminology, general principles of clinical cytogenetics, abnormalities of chromosome number and structure, disorders of autosomes, sex chromosome disorders, the X chromosome, the Y chromosome, congenital versus acquired abnormalities, and the ISCN.

CC 4521 Prenatal/Postnatal Cytogenetics Clinical Rotation (5 semester credit hours)
This laboratory rotation complements, expounds on, and practically applies the study of cytogenetic procedures and techniques used in prenatal diagnosis of congenital disorders.

CC 4530 Basic Laboratory Techniques (5 semester credit hours)
A comprehensive study of maintaining laboratory quality control in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as College of American Pathologist on-site inspections and proficiency testing. Also, a study of laboratory skills as they apply to amniotic fluid, chorionic villus sampling, abortus tissue, blood, bone marrow, and solid tissue samples with respect to transporting, preparing, culturing, harvesting, banding, analyzing, photographing, karyotyping, and reporting final results of specimens. Students will also be instructed in fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques and computer imaging of cytogenetic specimens.

CC 4531 Cytogenetics of Hematological Malignancies Clinical Rotation (5 semester credit hours)
This laboratory rotation provides the student with comprehensive practical applications in all aspects of the cytogenetic study of hematological malignant disease: specimen preparation, culture and harvest, banding techniques, microscopic cell analysis, photographic techniques, karyotype preparation, evaluation, and the ISCN. Quality control procedures and safety considerations are stressed.

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 just 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.

MT 4110 Molecular Genetics Technology (1 semester credit hour)
The study of molecular diagnostic procedures utilizing recombinant DNA technology and its application to the many aspects of the clinical laboratory.

MT 4140 Fundamentals of Hematology (1 semester credit hour)
A comprehensive study of the formation of blood cells, functions of the hematopoietic system, and related hematological disease. Analysis of the maturation cell sequence in peripheral blood and the morphological characteristics of these cells.

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

MT 4242 Advanced Hematology (2 semester credit hours)
A study of the classification of hematological disorders.

MT 4371 Special Topics II (3 semester credit hours)
This course covers laboratory management and educational methodologies. It includes management and motivational theories, communication skills, regulatory and accreditation requirements, budget and strategic planning, curriculum design, and examination instruction.

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