The Program is a six-month, highly intensive course of study in preparation for national certification as a cytogenetic technologist. For each course you will receive classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and technical experience.

Because UTMDACC is one of the largest cancer centers in the world, many special areas of instruction can be presented, such as multiplex FISH, microdissection of chromosomes, and comparative genomic hybridization.

The following are the topics included in the curriculum:

Medical Genetics
Clinical Cytogenetics
Laboratory Operations
Prenatal Cytogenetics
Cytogenetics of Hematological Malignancies
Cytogenetics of Solid Tumors and Environmental Mutagens
Special Topics:

Student Research Project

Upon successful completion of our Program you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the national certification exams.

Student Activities

Function: Performs procedures using analytical methodology in a clinical cytogenetic laboratory under the direct supervision of an experienced and certified cytogenetic technologist. Classroom instruction and demonstration of competency precede hands-on activities. Students must complete each course with a minimum grade of 70% to remain in the Program.

Under direct supervision of certified cytogenetic technologists, the students set up cultures for chromosome analysis on peripheral blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, and tissue specimens. Techniques for harvesting and preparing slides from these various cultures are described in detail and students gain hands-on experience. Students do not work with material that is used for patient reporting.

The students learn the specialized staining techniques required to differentiate special regions of human chromosomes and to induce specific banding patterns necessary for the identification of genetic changes. These include but are not limited to GTG Banding, QFQ Banding, RFA banding, and CBG banding techniques.

Students are instructed in the methodology required to scan, review, count cells and analyze slides for metaphase spreads. Detailed instructions in imaging of cytogenetic preparations both with conventional photography and darkroom techniques as well as with automated computer imaging systems are included in the curriculum.

Students spend a significant portion of the course mastering the pattern recognition necessary for accurate identification of the normal human chromosomes banding pattern utilizing the GTG banding technique. Students become familiar with common abnormal banding patterns associated with genetic disease. DNA probe methodology is an important part of the curriculum and students become proficient in labeling of DNA with fluorescent dyes and hybridization of DNA to target DNA both on agarose gels and glass microscope slides. Techniques learned included Southern blot analysis, PCR methodology, and Fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Why M.D. Anderson?

In a recent nationwide survey published in U.S. News and World Report, M.D. Anderson was named number two in the nation in cancer care. One of the models for federally designated comprehensive cancer centers, this 425 bed Hospital is internationally recognized for its exceptional strength in patient care, research, and educational programs.

The UTMDACC laboratories offer a unique educational experience not found in many institutions. Over three million tests are performed annually on patients who travel to M.D. Anderson from all parts of the United States and abroad. Thus, your education will include the entire spectrum of laboratory testing, from the relatively uncomplicated to the highly specialized procedures only available at a tertiary care center such as M.D. Anderson.