The Cytology and Biosciences Program will be closing  May 2009 No new applications are being accepted. Click here for more information on all our programs

Quick Reference

Length of program: 5 semesters (21 months) Degree awarded: Master of Science in Cytology and Biosciences Credentials: National Certification Examination given by the Board of Registry Accreditation: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) FAQs: Click here Course descriptions: Click here Useful links: American Society of Cytopathology Student Handbook Contact info (843) 792-1913 (843) 792-0506 - fax

The Cytology and Biosciences Program is designed to encourage students to develop critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills through independent study. Students are encouraged to present their research projects at regional and national meetings.

Our Mission
The mission of the Cytology and Biosciences Program at the Medical University of South Carolina is to improve patient health by preparing graduates to perform current and cutting-edge cancer diagnostics within the laboratory. The program encourages inquisitive research to evaluate and enhance cancer screening and cancer diagnostics.

Our Commitment
Program faculty are dedicated to providing a positive educational environment and fostering a compassionate attitude towards those whom we serve.

The Profession
Through microscopic evaluation, the cytotechnologist plays a vital role in the diagnosis of pre-malignant and malignant tumors from all of the body organs, including but not limited to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts, body cavities, and gynecological and breast specimens.
The cytotechnologist:

• prepares and diagnoses fine needle aspirations from tumors in body sites such as lymph nodes, salivary glands, thyroid, liver, and pancreas. When abnormal cells are observed microscopically, the cytotechnologist reviews these findings with a pathologist and together a diagnosis is made and reported to the physician.
• diagnoses infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and cellular changes secondary to viruses.
• uses many other techniques, including molecular diagnostics, immunocytochemistry, and cancer biotechnology applications.
• conducts outcome assessment studies, market laboratory services, and conduct studies pertinent to quality improvement.

The Master of Science in Cytology and Biosciences Program with professional practice, laboratory administration, and research components prepares its graduates for traditional service and supervisory roles in cytotechnology as well as new and expanded roles.

Career Options

• Traditional places of employment include medical laboratories in both public and private health agencies and institutions.
• Non-traditional employment opportunities exist in industry, regulatory agencies, consulting, research and development, biotechnology agencies, and higher education institutions.
• Graduates choosing to continue their education should find that a master’s degree from the Medical University affords them a competitive position for acceptance into doctoral and medical programs.
• Upon successful completion of the first three semesters of the curriculum, students are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry (BOR). This certification affords the individual to practice as a cytotechnologist.
• After a few years of employment, cytology and biosciences graduates with an MS in Cytology and Biosciences meet the academic requirements to take additional certification examinations, including the BOR Diplomate in Laboratory Management and/or the specialist in cytotechnology.

Employment

• In a 2006 survey conducted by the American Society for Cytotechnology, cytotechnologist job openings were present in 23% of the cytology laboratories polled. An increased shortage is predicted for the next 5 to 10 years.
• In a 2006 salary survey conducted by the American Society of Cytotechnology, the average salaries for staff and supervisory cytotechnologists were $50,000 and $70,000, respectively. These figures represent predominately individuals with baccalaureate degrees working in a traditional laboratory environment. Cytotechnologists with masters degrees and those employed in non-traditional settings may receive higher salaries.

The Curriculum
The curriculum is a 21-month, full-time program beginning in August. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Professional practice courses are taken in hospital laboratories throughout the state of South Carolina. For the first two semesters, instruction concentrates on professional laboratory science courses. The second year concentrates on molecular diagnostics, cancer research, and management principles. Students conduct a research project culminating in oral and poster presentations and a scientific journal article suitable for publication.