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

Degree and Certificate Offered

The School of Health Sciences offers the following programs in Cytotechnology:

The programs are administered by:

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Roster of Faculty

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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 consists of a 12-month course conforming 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 year of 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 Pathology (ASCP).

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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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Requirements for Admission

Students may pursue either a Bachelor of Science degree or 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.

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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 Pathology (ASCP).

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

The year-long professional curriculum in cytotechnology is equivalent to the last three semesters of college. Applicants are required to complete 90 or more semester credit hours from an accredited college or university. A minimum of 18 semester credit hours must be obtained from upper-division (Junior or Senior level) courses preferably in biology.

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 electives include courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics, such as:

• Human anatomy, physiology, immunology

• Molecular biology, microbiology

• Genetics, cell biology

• Parasitology, mycology, histology

• Biochemistry, organic chemistry

• Statistics

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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. All applicants must have maintained a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale both overall and in the science courses. Studies must include successful completion of at least 20 semester hours in biology (to include a minimum of 4 hours in anatomy or physiology) and 8 semester hours of chemistry.

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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 Pathology (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 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.

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.

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

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 Sciences 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

In addition to the nonacademic requirements for all students (see Admission policy), 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

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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 4210 Fine-Needle Aspiration Diagnostic Laboratory (2 semester credit hours)
The student will learn to apply cytodiagnostic criteria and develop practical expertise in microscopic 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 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 analysis of exfoliative nongynecologic specimens.

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 apply cytodiagnostic criteria on gynecological, nongynecologic, and fine-needle aspiration specimens.

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 4304 Gynecologic Diagnostic Laboratory I (3 semester credit hours)
The course consists of basic application of cytodiagnostic criteria for microscopic 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.

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 analysis of exfoliative nongynecologic specimens from these organs.

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. Quality control and clinical ethics are included. Conventional pap smears are used.

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 monolayer preparation in conjunction with clinical history. Quality control and clinical ethics are included. Both SurePath and Thin Prep monolayer preparations are used.

CT 4715 Clinical Rotation (7 semester credit hours)
Clinical internship at the 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 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.

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