Bachelor of Science in Clinical Cytotechnology
Cytotechnology is the microscopic study of cells contained in body tissues. The clinical cytotechnologist must differentiate malignant cells from normal ones in the diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. To make these critical decisions in the medical laboratory, the cytotechnologist must have a strong academic background in natural science along with intensive laboratory training in cytology.
The Clinical Cytotechnology program at the University is a 3 + 1 program offered in cooperation with two institutions. The University has affiliation agreements with the School of Cytotechnology, State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Cytotechnology Program, Mayo Foundation, Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota.
In their first three years of study at the University, students complete a program of study in biology and chemistry in addition to fulfilling general education requirements for the baccalaureate degree. Students complete their senior year at the School of Cytotechnology at Madison, the Cytotechnology Program at Mayo or Mercy School of Cytotechnology, Des Moines (contingent upon their admission to the School). The fourth year is devoted to laboratory studies in the different fields of cytology.
Students who have met the degree requirements of the University and the professional training requirements of either affiliate institution receive the baccalaureate degree from the University and a professional certificate from the affiliate. They are then eligible to achieve full professional certification in Clinical Cytotechnology through the national examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology.
Major Course Requirements at the University (36 credits)
- BIO 103 Principles of General Biology I
- BIO 104 Principles of General Biology II
- BIO 201 Microbiology
- BIO 205 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 206 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- BIO 340 Cell Biology
- BIO 342 Genetics and Immunology
- CHE 101 General Chemistry I
- CHE 102 General Chemistry II
Additional Requirements (19 credits)
A minimum of 15 semester hours in upper division courses numbered 300 or above. A minimum of 90 semester hours total.
Residency Requirements at the University
Transfer students must earn at least 30 semester hours of credit from the University before attending the affiliate school of Cytotechnology.
Major Course Requirements at the School of Cytotechnology at Madison or the Cytotechnology Program at Mayo involve successfully completing 30-32 semester hours in residence.
(NOTE: Students must gain admission to the School of Cytotechnology at Madison or the Cytotechnology Program at Mayo before this phase of the program can be completed. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at AU and strong academic performance in the courses above are required for admission.)