Cytotechnology (CT)

Introduction to cell identification methods and morphologic criteria used in the evaluation of cytology specimens. Emphasis on manual and digital microscopy for detection and interpretation of basic cell types and changes found in conventional and liquid-based cytology specimens. Lecture and Laboratory.

Introduction to the methods and techniques of cytology specimen and histology specimen preparation from fixation, through processing and staining.

Study of the anatomy, physiology, cytology and pathophysiology of the female genital tract and corresponding cellular manifestations which provide diagnostic information.

Integration of didactic information pertaining to the female genital tract with application of diagnostic criteria to develop practical analytical expertise. Students interpret laboratory data, explain the significance of the data to the patient's condition and offer the interpretation and/or recommendations for further testing. Laboratory sessions include independent microscopy following by the evaluation of the students’ diagnosis/readouts via one-on-one and multihead sessions.

Study of the anatomy, physiology, cytology and pathophysiology of the respiratory tract (including lung FNA’s), Fine needle aspiration cytology of mediastinum, breast, liver, pancreas, salivary glands, and adrenals with application of cytohistologic and molecular diagnostic criteria to develop practical analytical expertise. Students interpret laboratory data, explain the significance of the data to a patient’s condition and offer diagnostic interpretations and/or recommendations for further testing. Lecture and Laboratory.

Study of the anatomy, physiology, cytology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and urogenital system, fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid, bone, and soft tissues and cytology of body fluids including urine, CSF, and effusions with application of cytohistologic and molecular diagnostic criteria to develop practical analytical expertise. Students interpret laboratory data, explain the significance of the data to a patient’s condition and offer diagnostic interpretations and/or recommendations for further testing. Lecture and Laboratory.

This course is designed to educate students the in integration of morphologic cellular findings, the patient’s clinical history and findings from immunochemistry and molecular testing for the formulation of a precise diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Students will learn and practice an interprofessional approach to patient care and management, review relevant peer-reviewed publications, experience digital-image based microscopy, and cover the theory and practical knowledge of various companion testing modalities.

This course is designed to allow entry-level students to evaluate their readiness for the Cytology Board of Certification examination, promote proficiency in entry-level competencies and gain competence in computer-guided screening. Students explore personal and professional development related to the transition into the workplace.

Clinical internships are assigned in a variety of cytopathology laboratories to provide diversity of the students’ experience. Students participate in all phases of diagnostic service work and laboratory functions (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical), which may include continuing education and in-service programs, adjunct diagnostic technologies and attendance at specimen collection procedures. Students gain experience in (i) light microscopy, evaluation and reporting of all kind of cytological specimens (conventional, liquid-based cytospin, and cell blocks) and (ii) fluorescent microscopy and other ancillary molecular and immuno diagnostic techniques. Participation in ROSE, telepathology, cyto & histo preparatory processes, and the recommendation, application and interpretation of special stains and immunodiagnostic panels is advised per availability in the clinical rotation sites.

Clinical internships are assigned in a variety of cytopathology laboratories to provide diversity of the students’ experience. Students participate in all phases of diagnostic service work and laboratory functions (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical), which may include continuing education and in-service programs, adjunct diagnostic technologies and attendance at specimen collection procedures. Students gain experience in (i) light microscopy, evaluation and reporting of all kind of cytological specimens (conventional, liquid-based cytospin, and cell blocks) and (ii) fluorescent microscopy and other ancillary molecular and immuno diagnostic techniques. Participation in ROSE, telepathology, cyto & histo preparatory processes, and the recommendation, application and interpretation of special stains and immunodiagnostic panels is advised per availability in the clinical rotation sites.

Clinical internships are assigned in a variety of cytopathology laboratories to provide diversity of the students’ experience. Students participate in all phases of diagnostic service work and laboratory functions (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical), which may include continuing education and in-service programs, adjunct diagnostic technologies and attendance at specimen collection procedures. Students gain experience in (i) light microscopy, evaluation and reporting of all kind of cytological specimens (conventional, liquid-based cytospin, and cell blocks) and (ii) fluorescent microscopy and other ancillary molecular and immuno diagnostic techniques. Participation in ROSE, telepathology, cyto & histo preparatory processes, and the recommendation, application and interpretation of special stains and immunodiagnostic panels is advised per availability in the clinical rotation sites.

Clinical internships are assigned in a variety of cytopathology laboratories to provide diversity of the students’ experience. Students participate in all phases of diagnostic service work and laboratory functions (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical), which may include continuing education and in-service programs, adjunct diagnostic technologies and attendance at specimen collection procedures. Students gain experience in (i) light microscopy, evaluation and reporting of all kind of cytological specimens (conventional, liquid-based cytospin, and cell blocks) and (ii) fluorescent microscopy and other ancillary molecular and immuno diagnostic techniques. Participation in ROSE, telepathology, cyto & histo preparatory processes, and the recommendation, application and interpretation of special stains and immunodiagnostic panels is advised per availability in the clinical rotation sites.

Comprehensive Exam is a graduation requirement that provides the student the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the entry-level competencies of cytology. The exam is designed to prepare students for the rigor of the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC). Students are responsible to review posted references as well as previous course materials, lecture notes and reference texts