Program Overview

Cytotechnology Program

The Cytotechnology program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a specialty devoted to the study of cells and the early detection of cancer. The curriculum is infused with interactive lectures, hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and clinical experiences that provide students with unparalleled learning opportunities.

Program Overview

The program culminates in a twelve-week clinical rotation and exceptionally prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers as cytotechnologists. The program is transitioning to a Master of Science degree in the Fall of 2026. The last cohort of the One-Year Track is admitted for the Fall of 2025.

Career Opportunities

Cytotechnologists are versatile, highly specialized members of the Anatomic Pathology team. They work closely with pathologists and are primarily focused on microscopically identifying infectious agents and abnormal cellular changes, including those associated with cancer. In this era of precision medicine, the scope of practice for the field of cytotechnology is evolving.

Admission Requirements

• One-Year Track prerequisites and FAQs are available in a separate document.

Curriculum

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes:

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on training in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories
• Clinical experiences

Accreditation

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Cytotechnology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation of the Cytology Programs Review Committee (CPRC).

Clinical Affiliations

The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions in Texas, providing students with expertise in a variety of settings and experience in the breadth of opportunity available to a certified cytotechnologist.

Outcome Measures

The program tracks the following outcome measures:

• Credentialing Examination: Five-year average credentialing examination of the ASCP Board of Certification Exam pass rate of not less than 80% at first attempt within twelve months of graduation.
• Program Completion: Program completion rate is defined as the number of students who complete the clinical phase of the program within 150% of the stated program length.
• Job Placement: Five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75% within twelve months of graduation.

Resources

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
• American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)
• American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT)

Program Details

• Program Director: Catherine Bammert, Ph.D., CT, MB(ASCP)CM
• Executive Advisor: Wendong Yu, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Outcome Data

Credentialing Examination

Program Completion

Job Placement