Cytology Program

About Us

The Cytology Program, located at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, is a one-year post baccalaureate certificate training program consisting of didactic and practical instruction in the basics of cytologic diagnosis. Preparation of cytologic slides and the microscopic detection and diagnosis of the cells seen are only a portion of the responsibility of the cytologists. The didactic instruction will include anatomy, histology, correlation of cellular findings to other clinical information, adjunct testing and laboratory management as they relate to cytology. Classes will begin in early July and end the last week of June the following year. Students must successfully complete the entire course of study in order to obtain a certificate of completion and be eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Board of Certification Cytology examination.

During the early stages of the program students will gain valuable experience in the microscopic screening of cytologic preparations and the basics of slide handling and staining using both manual and automated methods. Cleveland Clinic uses state-of-the-art equipment for preparation, staining and reviewing cytologic samples.

Throughout the remainder of the program, students will study each body system; the source of cytologic material. These include, but are not limited to the respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems. In addition, students will learn the anatomical locations used for fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, as well as the diagnostic criteria for each of these locations.

Aspects of laboratory operations and management are included in the curriculum to help students understand the role of the cytology department in context with other diagnostic areas of the hospital laboratory. Maintaining patient confidentiality, professionalism, and teamwork are essential characteristics of cytologists.

All cytology programs are expected to “prepare competent entry-level cytologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behaviors) learning domains” (American Society for Cytopathology, Programs Review Committee).

Accreditation

The Cytology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Cytology Programs Review Committee.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th Street N., #7709 
Seminole, FL, 33775-7709 
727.210.2350 

Cleveland Clinic is accredited by The Joint Commission and has an established reputation as a premier facility in the care of patients and the training of health professionals.

Mission

To promote an excellent learning experience for health professions students from all backgrounds in the Cleveland Clinic so that they may become providers of the best care to patients as members of the interprofessional care team.

In this spirit, the Cytology Program will provide students the opportunity to learn in a dynamic laboratory environment with a wide variety of cases and a large teaching slide library.

Program goals

The primary goal of the Cytology Program is to provide the students enrolled in the program the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behaviors) necessary to enter into a career as a cytologist. The training will be designed so that at least entry level abilities are attained by the graduating students in gynecologic, non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration cytopathology, ensuring they are able to become contributing members of the Cytology community. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the faculty to assist the students in the acquisition of basic screening and detection skills and to guide them through a curriculum that will give them the scientific knowledge necessary to perform accurately and with integrity. The curriculum will contain elements that address all aspects of the profession including ethics, professional attitudes, decision making, teamwork, and management issues in addition to the cytologic skills necessary to make accurate diagnoses from a wide variety of body sites. To this end it is also a goal of this program to prepare students to take and pass the Board of Certification examination given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

The students will also complete training and be certified to screen not only conventional Pap tests but ThinPrep^™ and SurePath^™ Pap tests as well. They will also be certified to operate the equipment supporting these two methods of slide preparation. These state-of-the-art technologies will make our graduates marketable locally and nationally.

An additional goal of the school is the introduction of students to various other adjunct technologies such as, but not limited to, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, molecular diagnostics and small biopsy techniques. As morphologists, cytologists with a background in molecular diagnostics will be able to use their skills in a more diverse market.

Contact information

Bridgette Springer, MBA, CT(ASCP)^CM
Program Director
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue; L13
Cleveland, OH 44195
216.445.8524
[email protected]

Admissions

Admissions requirements & disclosures 

In addition to program-specific admissions requirements and procedures, applicants are encouraged to review requirements and disclosures outlined on the School of Health Professions’ Admissions page. 

School of Health Professions catalog 

Additional information can be found in the School Catalog, including school-wide policies and procedures, program-specific information, and course descriptions.

• View the School Catalog

Technical standards

Sensory and motor Skills - Students and candidates for program admission should be able to:

• Work in small spaces
• Move objects up to 10 pounds with occasional carrying of objects up to 20 pounds including laboratory supplies and equipment
• Perform work in a stationary position for extended periods
• Work with physical files, including retrieving, moving and filing
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
• Operate a computer keyboard at a moderate skill level
• Operate a microscope
• Travel throughout the hospital system and, in some locations, off-site
• Tolerate physically demanding workloads

Communication - Students and candidates for program admission should be able to:

• Communicate, exchange accurate information and follow instructions
• Maintain comprehensive records of findings, ensuring clear, concise, and timely reporting of results

Intellectual - Students and candidates for program admission should be able to:

• Learn through a variety of teaching modalities including classroom lecture, cooperative learning, small group activities and laboratory exercises, individual and group presentations, and the use of technology assisted learning
• Operate at a fast pace and to prioritize multiple assignments/projects and respond to numerous requests
• Diagnose, problem solve, make decisions and critically think

Behavioral and social attributes - Students and candidates for program admission should be able to:

• Demonstrate emotional stability, maturity and good judgment
• Value all people throughout the organization, regardless of background or culture
• Demonstrate dependability and responsibility
• Exercise self-control and tolerate stress when dealing with multiple requests and/or conflicting demands
• Resolve conflicts, to work collaboratively, respectfully and with dignity with a team
• Perform problem solving skills in a timely manner
• Function effectively under stress to maintain poise and control and practice in a safe manner
• Adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in an environment of uncertainty
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, dedication, compassion and motivation
• Accept constructive criticism and respond appropriately with an acceptable modification of behavior
• Transfer of knowledge and laboratory skills to problems other than those set in the course of instruction, but that lend themselves to similar types of solutions

Observation - Students and candidates for program admission should be able to:

• Assess images electronically and on paper
• Observe laboratory, lecture and clinical demonstrations
• Differentiate color, hue, saturation and tones
• Compare and contrast small details

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for admission to the Cytology Program:

1. A minimum of a baccalaureate level degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Overall GPA of 3.0 (4.0 = A) and a 3.0 minimum GPA in all science and mathematics courses.
3. Completed 28 semester hours or 42 quarter hours of Biology and Chemistry.
4. Strongly recommended courses include but are not limited to:
   • General Biology
   • Anatomy and Physiology
   • Cell Biology
   • Histology
   • Immunology
   • Microbiology
   • Molecular Biology
5. 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours of Mathematics.

The Cytology Program does not:

• Allow completion of requirements through experiential learning.
• Offer advanced placement courses for students prior to receipt of a baccalaureate degree.

Desirable applicant attributes

• Visual acuity and perception with respect to depth and color.
• Ability to use microscopes to distinguish the characteristics of cells in health and disease as well as other microscopic entities related to cytologic diagnosis.
• Logical thought processes facilitating problem solving.
• Ability to communicate, exchange accurate information and follow instruction.
• Transfer of knowledge and laboratory skills to problems other than those set in the course of instruction, but that lend themselves to similar types of solutions.
• Dependability and a sense of responsibility.
• Courtesy and consideration in personal relationships.
• Motivation that is more internally than externally stimulated.
• Integrity.
• Maturity.
• Ability to react appropriately and to maintain poise and control under stressful conditions.
• Ability to operate a microscope.
• Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods.

Admissions process

Applicants must submit the following to be considered for acceptance:

1. Application submitted in Campus Café
2. Transcript evaluation form
3. Transcripts from all institutions attended
4. Résumé
5. 3 letters of recommendation and 3 reference evaluation forms
6. If applicable, foreign credential evaluation and TOEFL scores (request these from the Program Director)

The evaluation of applicants begins after all application materials have been received.

Additionally, applicants should also be aware of the following:

• Ineligible applicants may have their applications considered for the following year by informing the program of their intent in writing and completing an application by the following year's deadline.
• Prospective students with complete applications who meet the academic eligibility requirements of this program will be contacted by mail to schedule a personal interview at the Cleveland Clinic. Travel arrangements and all travel expenses are the responsibility of the student.
• Once all interviews are complete, students accepted into the program will be notified in writing.
• Prospective students who are not selected will be notified in writing.
• Applicants who elect to remain in the applicant pool for one additional year must notify the program director in writing and may waive a second personal interview if they desire.

Important admission dates (2024 - 2025)

• March 15: All completed applications including the reference letters, transcripts, and transcript evaluations when required, must be postmarked by this date.
• April 30: All interviews for eligible candidates will be completed by this date.
• May 15: All applicants will be notified in writing of their acceptance status by this date.
• June 30: Ineligible applicants may have their applications considered for the following year by informing this program of their intent in writing by this date.
• Second full week of July: Classes begin.

Tuition & Fees

The tuition for the program is $7,500.

• Half is payable prior to the start of the program with the remainder due at the end of the first quarter of the school year (September 30).

In addition to tuition, students may incur additional costs to attend the Cytology Program, such as:

• Approximately $400 for text books.
• Supplies such as notebooks, shoes, etc.

Medical insurance with hospitalization (required).

Cost of attendance

The cost of attendance for the Cytology Program is a budget comprised of direct and indirect costs. Tuition is a direct cost charged by the program. All others are indirect costs that a student may incur during the course of the program and is not paid to the program. These costs are subject to change.

Tuition refund policy 

The Cytology Program issues refunds for tuition and other fees for eligible applicants and students as outlined in the School of Health Professions’ Tuition Refund Policy. 

• Read the full tuition refund policy

Living expenses

The cost of room, board, and transportation are the responsibility of the student. To get practical tips for finding and securing housing, access helpful worksheets, and view property listings visit the Student Housing Program page.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for graduation:

• Successful completion of all aspects of the curriculum
• Demonstrate competence based on screening ability
• Complete program objectives demonstrated through:
• Daily work
• Achieving a 98% gynecologic screening record with 50 cases completed in 1 day
• Test scores of at least a C average for each section of the curriculum

Students will receive a post-graduate certificate for the program. This certificate will serve as documentation of successful completion of the program.

Students who do not successfully complete the requirements of the program will not be eligible for graduation, will be dismissed from the program and will not be eligible to take the Board of Certification examination for Cytology.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward graduation will be evaluated after the completion of each term of the program. Failure to maintain SAP may result in the student being dismissed from the program. 

• School of Health Professions SAP Policy

Program Outcomes

Outcomes & measures

Academic year-based outcomes

* 2/3 graduates available for placement were placed into cytology roles

Curriculum

• Academic calendar, 2024-2025
• Curriculum outline
• Course descriptions

Additional Information

What is a cytologist?

Cytology is an allied health laboratory specialty designed to aid in the diagnosis of cancer and its precursors using individual cell morphology.

A cytologist (CT) is a laboratory specialist who is responsible for preparing and examining human cell samples under the microscope for early signs of cancer and other diseases. The cytologist meticulously reviews and analyzes subtle cell changes, both nuclear and cytoplasmic, and compares these changes to known normal cell findings from given body sites. By adding these microscopic observations to the clinical history provided, the cytologist can judge the significance of the cell changes. Cytologists, working with cytopathologists, aid clinicians in determining a patient’s diagnosis. Many times a cytology sample may help facilitate early detection of cancer or assess the extent of spread of a known malignancy.

The cytologist must be familiar with normal anatomy and histology for all the body systems that may be the sources of cytologic material and must learn the appearance of certain disease processes that affect these body sites. The cell changes that indicate these processes must be studied and the cells recognized in a background of normal material.

Cytologists aid in the management of patients with known malignancies by assisting with fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies, minimally invasive procedures that can, in addition to initial diagnosis, help track the spread of disease. When used in conjunction with radiologic and ultrasound techniques, FNA can target small, difficult to reach areas of the body.

As healthcare professionals, cytologists are responsible for providing accurate, timely, and secure diagnoses for each patient. Through certification, and with continuing education, the competent cytologist is a well-respected and vital member of the pathology laboratory.

Many types of laboratories employ cytologists including community and military hospitals, large teaching institutions and laboratories in the private sector. Upward mobility to supervisory and administrative levels is possible with years of service and additional education or certification. Academic institutions and universities also employ cytologists with the right credentials to teach cytology. Additional opportunities for cytologists are available in the area of molecular diagnostics, where the need for trained morphologists blends well with the skills learned in cytology.

Additional information about cytology can be found at the following sites:

• American Society of Cytopathology
• American Society for Cytology
• Considering a career in Cytology? Watch this video from the American Society for Cytology to learn more.