Cytotechnology Program
|
Would you like to play an important role in restoring and maintaining health? If you can answer "Yes" to these questions, then we invite you to consider cytotechnology as a career! |
Cytotechnology program
Cytotechnology literally is the study of cells. The cytotechnologist, working under the direction of a pathologist, detects cell changes caused by different disease processes and is able to differentiate normal, atypical, and malignant cell changes. In recognizing microscopic abnormalities of cells and cellular patterns from various body sites, they assist the pathologist in detecting cancer at its earliest and potentially most curable stage. As a result, they diagnose and treat cancer long before discovering its existence by alternate methods.
Opportunities
Cytotechnologists work in hospitals, clinics, and independent pathology laboratories. The employment outlook for cytotechnologists is favorable, with the demand for trained workers exceeding the supply. Cytotechnologists can advance to supervisory positions, participate in research activities, or become teachers in this field. Advancement is based on experience, skill, and advanced education.
Program curriculums
The cytotechnology program, based on the completion of two years of prerequisite study at an accredited college or university, leads to either a certificate or bachelor of science degree.
The program of study begins with the summer quarter. A certificate is awarded at the completion of the fourth quarter of study, and those electing to continue are awarded the bachelor of science degree upon the completion of an additional two quarters of study.
With the certificate in cytotechnology and a baccalaureate degree, the student is eligible to take the national examination and become a registered cytotechnologist. To be eligible for admission to the certificate program only, the applicant must have completed a baccalaureate degree and have completed the minimum units in natural sciences and mathematics.
A total of 64 quarter units is applied toward the graduation requirements, provided the coursework in pathology is equivalent to that offered in the certificate program at this University. Where credit in pathology is not equivalent, the requirement may be met by taking AHCJ 402,403 at this University or by completing a minimum of 8 quarter units of upper division coursework in developmental biology or comparative animal physiology at an accredited college or university.
Education requirements
The bachelor of science degree requires 2 years of prerequisite coursework (20 semester hours of biological sciences) followed by 2 years of classroom and clinical work at the School of Allied Health Professions.
- General Biology, complete sequence
- Human anatomy and physiology, complete sequence
- Microbiology with laboratory
- General chemistry with labs, complete sequence
- College algebra
- General education courses in humanities, religion, social science, English, health, and physical education
- English composition, complete sequence (minimum of 9 quarter units)
- Personal health or nutrition
- Two physical education courses
- Electives to meet a minimum total requirement of 96 quarter units
The certificate program is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in a science related area (which includes 20 semester hours of college math, English-complete sequence, General Chemistry complete sequence) followed by 1 year at the School of Allied Health Professions.
Other Recommended courses:
Cell Biology
Genetics
Histology
It is suggested that you take a minimum of two years of mathematics and natural science (excluding general science) during your high school years. A high school diploma or the GED is required for acceptance. If English is not your native tongue, a minimum score of 550 for undergraduate from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted. A minimum score of 5 on both TOEFL writing tests (TWE) is required for acceptance.
Grades
Credits for prerequisite coursework must show a grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required for all transfer courses. However, due to the limited number of openings, students who are accepted should have at least a 2.75 grade point average in the science subjects.
Application process
We recommend that you apply as soon after January 1 as possible for the next academic year. The certificate program begins in August and the Bachelors program begins in September. Preference will be given to applicants whose completed application and official transcripts have been received by March 1.
Contact information
Meg Tavares, CT (ASCP)
Program Director, Cytotechnology
Clinical Instructor, Cytotechnology
mtavares@llu.edu
(909) 558-4000, extension 45390
Claro Masangcay, CT (ASCP)
Clinical Instructor, Cytotechnology
Cmasangcay@llu.edu
(909) 558-4000, extension 45387