The Program in Cytotechnology is a twelve-month course accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) conforming to the essentials published and monitored by the American Society of Cytopathology.

The year of study consists of lectures and demonstrations in a tutored setting for learning the morphology of normal, precancerous, and cancerous cells from all body sites.

The following are the topics included in the curriculum:

Introduction to Cytotechnology
Theory and Practice of Cytopreparatory Techniques I and II
Gynecologic Cytopathology
Cytomorphology of cells from the female genital system, inflammatory changes, human papilloma virus related changes, early stages of cervical cancer, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, squamous carcinoma, endocervical and endometrial adenocarcinoma

Non-Gynecologic Exfoliative Cytopathology
Cytomorphology of benign and malignant conditions of respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and central nervous systems and body cavity fluids

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Cytomorphology of benign and malignant conditions of lung, breast, thyroid, salivary gland, liver, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, bone, soft tissue, skin and lymph nodes

Laboratory Operations
Fixation, processing and staining of specimens for cytodiagnosis.

Diagnostic Laboratory
Screening and diagnosing gynecologic, non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration specimens

Special Studies
Image analysis, fluorescent in situ hybridization, immunocytochemical marker studies, special stains, cytogenetics and laboratory management

Clinical Internship
Three weeks rotation in Laboratory Corporation of America at Houston and
One week rotation in University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Upon successful completion of our Program you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the national certification exams given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.

Why M. D. Anderson Cancer Center?

In a recent nationwide survey published in U.S. News and World Report, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 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. Since M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world's largest cancer centers the students have the opportunity to examine and diagnose all types of cancer cells of the human body from a large population of cancer patients.