Diagnostic Cytology

Degree Offered

Master of Diagnostic Cytology

Length of Program

Forty-four (44) semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework over sixteen (16) months.

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the program requires an average of 70% or above on all didactic and clinical courses unless specified otherwise in the syllabus (i.e., proficiency exams, daily screening averages).

Diagnostic Cytology Website

Diagnostic Cytology

The mission of admissions in the College of Allied Health Professions is to advance evidence-based recruitment and admissions practices that are inclusive, equitable and balanced with respect to experiences, attributes and metrics to recruit and admit applicants for the purpose of preparing highly competent, collaborative and compassionate professionals dedicated to improving the health and healthcare of all individuals and communities.

For specific Diagnostic Cytology admissions, application, and timelines, visit: Diagnostic Cytology Admissions.

Clinical placement location students should visit the clinical placement webpage for information and to apply.

Curriculum

Over 16-months, the Diagnostic Cytology Program provides students with 44 credit hours of didactic and lab, foundational clinical practicum, and clinical rotation course work. The program is full-time, including scheduled distance learning and (almost daily) in-person clinical practice. Additional preparation time, outside of scheduled experiences, will be required for the successful completion of the program. Student employment of more than 10 hours a week is discouraged during the program.

Didactic and Lab: Through distance education, students theoretically learn anatomy, physiology, histology, and cytopathology of six major body systems and sixteen additional body sites. Theoretical introduction to advance practices in the cytology profession, such as small biopsy grossing, ancillary testing, and digital pathology, is provided. The program culminates in a capstone project where students synthesize their cytology theory and clinical experience.

Foundational Clinical Practicum: Through in-person, hands-on experiences, students complete the clinical components necessary to participate and practice skills, such as slide screening, FNA observations, and other advanced cytology laboratory techniques.

Clinical Rotation: Students participate in two clinical rotations where they obtain supervised experience in performing the actual duties of a cytologist. An eight week rotation occurs in the Summer (June-July) semester followed by a 4 week rotation in the second Fall semester (November). During clinical rotations, students are expected to be at a cytology laboratory for an 8-hour work day. Scheduled location placement will be determined by the Diagnostic Cytology Program Clinical Coordinator to accommodate each student.

Diagnostic Cytology Website