There are not any percent online cytology schools due to the essentially clinical nature of the discipline. It has several satellite sites which gives students the flexibility to complete clinical training in various areas.
This one-year program teaches students through assignments such as case studies, multi-headed microscope sessions, screening exams, patient procedure observation, and other methods of instruction.
Courses such as anatomy, physiology, histology, and cytology offer students some options for online work. This didactic training is rounded out with a week clinical practicum under the supervision of a certified cytotechnologist.
Prior to enrolling in an accredited program at a cytotechnology school, students typically need to complete science course prerequisites. The specific required courses will vary by program, but they typically include the following:. Once enrolled in an accredited cytotechnology program, students can expect to take at some of the following core classes:.
These courses are often completed in conjunction with a supervised clinical internship or externship to get the student exposure to real life laboratory procedures.
Before pursuing an education in cytotechnology, it is crucial to check the accreditation status of the institution. In addition to CAAHEP accreditation, students should look for a bachelor's degree program that has earned institutional accreditation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS , job opportunities in cytotechnology categorized as medical and laboratory technology are expected to see 12 percent growth between and , much higher than the average increase projected for all occupations 7 percent.
It is, however, important to note that the BLS statistics include a variety of career paths and the specific rate of growth for cytotechnologists may be significantly different. There are several reasons for the estimated surge in demand for these medical professionals. The United States has an increasing number of elderly people which is leading to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
The cytotechnology laboratory training is essential for diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Additionally, as federal health legislation such as the Affordable Care Act ACA continues to expand medical access to an increasing number of Americans, these laboratory, diagnostic, and preventative health services will be in greater demand. The CT certification is appropriate for new cytotechnologists while the SCT certification requires three years of experience in the field.
Admissions requirements. Have completed 20 credits of college-level biological sciences, ideally cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and organic chemistry. To apply: Online application to Cytotechnology Program. Official transcripts. Applicants from outside the U. Brief essay describing your interest in pursing a career in cytotechnology.
Three letters of recommendation. Applications accepted for fall enrollment. Apply Now. Program highlights. Our program is like having a job in a laboratory. In the fall, you learn in the classroom, and then from April to August, you do clinical rotations in hospitals and labs. By the time you complete your certificate, you are well prepared to sit for your board certification. In addition to teaching you lab skills, we help you refine your career goals, resume, and can even help connect you to an open cytotechnologist position.
We are connected with medical facilities across Wisconsin and throughout the country, and are often asked to help fill open positions for cytotechnologists. How you'll learn. Classes and labs meet Monday through Friday, 8 a. Move through the program with a cohort of 12 or fewer students. In your first two semesters, attend lectures and discussions, with hours at a microscope.
At the end of your second semester, take a series of comprehensive exams that test your knowledge of cytopathology. Your third semester is devoted to supervised microscopy of clinical specimens; you also rotate through various clinical settings to gain practical experience in advanced laboratory procedures, quality assurance, and cytogenetics.
Sample curriculum. Job outlook. Market Salary. Projected Job Growth. Cytotechnologists work independently doing meticulous microscopic work. They must be comfortable making decisions and assume a great deal of responsibility. Cytotechnologists are also responsible for the preliminary interpretation of specimens from other sites such as lung, bladder, body cavities, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary glands and breast.
Cytotechnologists work in collaboration with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions and malignant disease. Providing a definitive diagnosis in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner helps save patient lives by allowing clinicians to provide necessary and appropriate treatment to patients as quickly as possible.
Since the inception of modern cytology in the 's thanks to the work of Dr. George Papanicolaou , the field of cytology had seen little change. Only in the past 15 years have technological advances led to the integration of molecular diagnostics, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and automation in the field of cytology.
Automation has been one of the most significant changes in cytotechnology practice. Automation in cytopreparation and computer-assisted screening has contributed to an increase in the number of abnormal cases detected as compared to conventional practice and methods. Other benefits to automation include increased productivity, consistency and decreased turn-around time. The advent of molecular diagnostic testing has also improved the detection of clinically relevant infections common to cervical cancer.
It also has the potential for tailored intervention of therapeutic modalities. There are few cytotechnologists already directly involved in performing and analyzing molecular tests. The impact of these changes to the cytotechnologist's traditional scope of practice is unclear but surely one that will certainly have an impact.
Many cytotechnologists have already enhanced their skills in molecular diagnostics. Cytotechno A listing of the CAAHEP accredited programs logy training programs are also integrating molecular diagnostics in their curriculums. The American Society for Clinical Pathology ASCP currently offers certification in molecular biology for cytotechnologists as well as other medical laboratory scientists.
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