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Cytotechnology

The Profession of Cytotechnology

Cytotechnologists examine cells from the human body under the microscope for early detection of cancer. Much of their work involves microscopic screening of "pap smears," cells taken from various body sites, placed on glass slides and stained by the Papanicolaou method. They interpret fine cytological detail which may indicate cancer, infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. Job opportunities in cytologists are currently available in both the hospital setting and in private laboratories. In 1999, starting salaries in the southeast U.S. averaged $21 per hour, with higher salaries in areas with a higher cost of living. There is currently a great shortage of cytotechnologists nationwide.

To learn more about the cytotechnology profession, view the following link:

 Laboratory Careers, Cytology

Accreditation

The Cabell Huntington Hospital and Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) schools of cytotechnology are fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the American Society of Cytopathology, in collaboration with the American Society for Cytology. CAAHEP can be contacted through their website, by telephone at 312/553-9355, and by mail at 35 East Wacker Drive Suite 1970, Chicago IL 60601-9355.

Admission to the Cytotechnology Program

Admission to the hospital school of cytotechnology is competitive. Students majoring in cytotechnology should have an alternate plan in case they are not admitted. In 2001, two MU undergraduate students were placed in a CYT training rotation. 

Undergraduates seeking the degree in cytotechnology are categorized by the College of Health Professions as "Pre-clinical laboratory sciences." Once admitted to either the Cabell Huntington Hospital or Charleston Area Medical Center school of cytotechnology, the student is categorized as a CYT major.

A minimum 2.5 GPA on all college work attempted and completion of academic prerequisites are required for students to be considered for cytotechnology at an affiliating hospital.

Applicants for the degree in cytotechnology must have earned at least 24 credit hours at Marshall University prior to entering clinical training. Students wishing to be considered for the CYT clinical year beginning in June apply for admission by submitting a completed transcript review form, two letters of reference, and a letter of application to the MLT Program Director between January 1 and February 15 the same calendar year.

Academic records of qualified undergraduate applicants are supplied to the CAMC school of cytotechnology by the CLS Department at the request of applicants. An admissions committee then select students to fill available positions on the basis of grade point average, personal interview, and academic status at MU. CAMC School of Cytotechnology reserves clinical spaces each year for qualified applicants from MU.

In addition to undergraduate applicants, CHH and CAMC schools consider applications from qualified college graduates for unfilled clinical spaces. College graduates should apply for admission directly to the hospital school. 

Cost of Cytotechnology Training

The CHH and CAMC schools of cytotechnology currently charge $5000 for the year-long program. While in cytotechnology school, students register for appropriate courses at MU so those courses will appear on the student's transcript. Since cytotechnology students pay tuition to a hospital school, they apply for a MU tuition waiver upon acceptance to a hospital program. Applications are obtained from the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department. Students are responsible for costs of cytotechnology training, transportation, housing and meals, uniforms, vaccinations, books, and medical insurance.

Click below for the
Cytotechnology Curriculum