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Cytotechnology Cytotechnologists are trained medical laboratory scientists who detect disease by light microscopic examination of cell samples from all areas of the body. They are responsible for the collection, preparation and staining of specimens consisting of cells which have been shed, abraded or aspirated form body tissues. Cytotechnologists evaluate cellular patterns and subtle changes in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells, correlating these observations with the patient's clinical history, to evaluate normal and abnormal cells and provide preliminary diagnostic information. The majority of cell samples analyzed by the cytotechnologist are gynecologic specimens (PAP tests), but they may also include non-gynecologic specimens from virtually any body site, such as respiratory, urine, gastrointestinal, body cavity (chest, abdominal or heart cavities), and central nervous system specimens and specimens collected from lesions by fine needle aspiration. Cytotechnologists work independently doing meticulous microscopic work. They must be comfortable making decisions and assume a great deal of responsibility. Although Cytotechnologists work closely with Cytopathologists, they are the "front-line", being the first to evaluate the cells in each sample, making decisions about whether cells are normal or abnormal, and locating and marking the cells of most significance. Patient contact is limited. Specialization in Cytotechnology The professional education component of this specialization is through the Detroit Medical Center/University Laboratories Cytotechnology Program (). This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation by the American Society of Cytopathology Cytotechnology Programs Review Committee. Students may apply for specialization standing in cytotechnology after completing the preprofessional program. The first two years consist of the MLS core curriculum. Application to the hospital-based internship is made during the winter semester of the sophomore year (typically an April 15th deadline). Acceptance into the internship program is competitive and is based on grade point average, personal interview and letters of recommendation. Students will be notified by June of their acceptance into the clinical program. The junior year consists of the prescribed professional course requirements at Oakland University, and the clinical program in Cytotechnology at the DMC fulfils the senior year academic requirements (see major checklist for complete list of required courses). The primary program faculty for the Cytotechnology Program includes: Kalyani Naik, MS, SCT(ASCP), Program Director/Education Coordinator In addition to academic prerequisites, the Cytotechnology Program has specified non-academic criteria (technical standards) that all applicants are expected to meet in order to participate in the program and professional practice. For specific information on Admission Requirements, Application Procedures, and Selection Criteria, visit the DMC-UL website: http://archive.dmc.org/univlab/cytotech_prog/cytotech_prog_index.html or contact DMC-University Laboratories e-mail: cytotechnology@dmc.org Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the certification exam for Cytotechnologists (CT) administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry (http://www.ascp.org/certification/CertifyingExaminations/) For more information on the career of Cytotechnology or educational programs, contact: American Society for Cytotechnology Commission on Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) American Society of Cytopathology American Society for Clinical Pathology
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