Academics


Master's in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology

Earn your cytotechnology degree in 16 months in this accelerated master’s program with a 100% certification exam pass rate and 100% job placement rate for graduates.

Cytotechnology Program Overview

Prepare to make a positive impact on human health with a cytotechnology degree from ACPHS. 

The cytotechnology program is designed specifically to prepare you for national certification as a cytotechnologist. Our graduates have a 100% pass rate on the national cytologist certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The ACPHS cytotechnology degree also has a 100% job placement rate, with graduates working at some of the top medical facilities both nationally and internationally. Please visit professional licensure disclosures for more information.

Gain real-world experience through a wide variety of clinical rotation options, with the ability to choose from 40 different ACPHS partner sites. Work closely with faculty to tailor your capstone project to explore a field that interests you and fits your professional goals. When you earn your cytotechnology degree at ACPHS, you’ll be prepared with the hands-on skills and training to hit the ground running in your career. 

The cytotechnology and molecular cytology degree is an accelerated master’s program, which allows you to earn your degree in 16 months. Students enroll in August and graduate the following December.

A side view of the students using the microscopes in lab classroom
What Is Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology?
Great patient care begins with an accurate diagnosis. Cytotechnology and molecular cytology involves observing and interpreting vital clues at the cellular and molecular level, allowing the cytopathology team to make an accurate and specific diagnosis that will ultimately aid in developing an appropriate treatment plan for the patient.

Cytology is the study of living cells and the detection of various infections, autoimmune diseases, and abnormalities such as precancerous and cancerous cells. As a licensed cytotechnologist, you'll act as a cell detective – examining human cellular specimens to explain what is happening within a patient.

Successful cytotechnologists possess strong attention to detail and a passion for solving puzzles. But most of all, they share a desire to improve the health of patients – many of whom they may never even see.

Cytotechnologist jobs are found in hospital and private laboratories, university medical centers and government facilities. Because of the increased use of cytologic testing for the confirmation of disease, more cytotechnologists are needed.
A group of students looking into the microscope in a classroom setting
Experiential Learning in the Cytotechnology Program
Apply what you have learned in the classroom and lab to a real-world environment. We offer a broad range of clinical rotations to enhance your professional development and prepare you with hands-on skills.

Students may choose among 40 different ACPHS partner sites to complete their rotations, where they will work under the guidance of a licensed practitioner.

ACPHS' location close to New York City and Boston opens a variety of rotation options at locations throughout the Northeast and beyond.

During your final semester, you will be required to complete a three-credit capstone project where you will choose a particular aspect of the field to study in greater depth, bringing together everything you’ve learned in the classroom, lab and in your rotations.
A student in lab coat working with a machine in lab setting
Cytotechnologist Jobs
Cytotechnology is an ever-evolving field with tremendous growth potential, and the demand for clinical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 7% over the next decade.

ACPHS graduates have gone on to successful careers as cytotechnologists, lab supervisors, and cytology educators working at organizations like:

• Albany Medical Center 
• St. Peter's Health Partners 
• University of Rochester Medical Center 
• Rochester Regional Health 
• Roswell Park Cancer Institute
• Northwell Health 
• Stony Brook Medicine

According to Salary.com, the median cytotechnologist salary with a master's degree is $80,110 - $84,310. Having a master's degree will also position you well for advancement into senior laboratory roles as you gain more experience.
Overhead view of histology slides between the two microscopes
Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology Coursework
The cytotechnology and molecular cytology master's degree is a 55-credit program split between courses in cytotechnology (25 credits) and biomedical sciences (30 credits).

The curriculum includes courses such as Cellular Pathophysiology and Histology, which surveys the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying disease processes.

You’ll take our Flow Cytometry course where you’ll cover topics like machine set-up and operation, fluorochromes and fluorescence, spectral overlap and compensation, experimental design, data collection and multi-parameter analyses and also develop critical skills in fine needle aspiration.

The ACPHS Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Professions (CAAHEP), 9355 - 113th Street North, #7709, Seminole, FL 33775.