Cytotechnology Information

What is Cytotechnology?

Cytotechnology is the microscopic study of cells that have been shed, scraped or aspirated from body tissues. A cytotechnologist is a highly skilled laboratory professional. These specialists prepare samples obtained from various body areas for examination by using staining techniques which make the specimen more visible. Cytotechnologists are trained to recognize minute abnormalities in the color, size, and shape of the cell structures.

Cytotechnologist are responsible for the first microscopic evaluation of the cytologic material, determining the presence or absence of abnormal or malignant cells and providing a preliminary diagnosis in cases that warrant further evaluation by a pathologist. As a result of cytologic findings, physicians are often able to diagnose and treat cancer before symptoms occur or before it can be detected by other methods.

Cytotechnology originated as a method of detecting malignant and premalignant lesions in the female genital tract (the Pap Smear). This discipline has since expanded to include cancer diagnosis in all body areas. With the advent of fine needle aspiration cytology, virtually every organ in the body is accessible to cytologic diagnosis.

Cytotechnologists must know basic human anatomy, physiology and pathology, and have an indepth knowledge of cell morphology in order to interpret varied cytology specimens accurately. In addition, cytotechnologists must master various specialized techniques for collecting, preparing and staining many types of cell samples.

Cytotechnologists play an integral part in the total health care of patients. They must at all times, be aware that each specimen represents a patient and that accuracy of the diagnostic report is essential.

What are the educational requirements?
Preparation for a career in cytotechnology is accomplished by successfully completing an accredited educational program. Students are admitted to the cytotechnology program after they have completed three years of specified academic work at an accredited college or university. The professional program at UTHSC is two years in length and leads to a Master’s Degree entitled the Master of Cytopathology Practice (MCP).

What is a Master of Cytopathology Practice (MCP) degree?
A Master of Cytopathology Practice Degree adds a new dimension to a standardized curriculum. This degree enables the cytotechnology students to meet current practice standards while adding new skills and knowledge to enhance employment opportunities. Graduates of the program will be able to perform, interpret and correlate ancillary testing for proper triage of patients. Ancillary cytopathology techniques such as molecular diagnostic testing may become standard technology in the pathology laboratory of the future. Our graduates will receive training in these advanced techniques and in quality improvement activities within the laboratory. With these skills, our graduates could assume positions of leadership in management, research and education as well as guide the cytopathology laboratory into the next century of diagnostic testing.

Personal Qualifications
An individual considering a career in cytotechnology should be able to perform work that requires precision and sound judgment. Manual dexterity, dependability, and good color vision are also important characteristics. Since the expertise of the cytotechnologists is relied upon in assuring high quality patient care, individuals who want to become cytechnologists should have a high degree of integrity and be willing to assume a great deal of responsibility.

Career Opportunities
The job market changes rapidly in small professions such as cytotechnology and varies depending on location. Currently there is a shortage of cytotechnologists which may vary from 5%-30% depending on location.

Today, there are more jobs for cytotechnologists than educated people to fill those jobs. Future long-term employment looks bright. The need is great throughout the country. Cytotechnologists have an unlimited choice of practice settings. Hospitals, for-profit laboratories, clinics, public health facilities and industry currently have positions available for qualified cytotechnologists.

Licensure and Certification
Upon successful completion of an educational program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), an individual is eligible to take the certification examinations for both cytotechnology and molecular pathology given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. An additional Specialist in Cytotechnology certification is available for persons with advanced degrees and/or experience.

A Tennessee state license is required to practice cytotechnology in the State of Tennessee. In order to obtain a Tennessee state license, you must provide evidence that you have passed the ASCP Board of Registry examination in cytotechnology. To obtain more information or an application for state licensure, contact:

Tennessee State Department of Health
Medical Laboratory Board
Heritage Place Metro Center
227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243
1.800.778.4123 or 1.615.532.3202

www.health.state.tn.us/Boards/MedLab/index.htm

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