Overview
Cytotechnologists are licensed laboratory professionals who possess strong attention to detail and a passion for solving puzzles. But more than either of those things, they share a desire to improve the health of patients – many of whom they may never even see.
Before turning on a microscope, cytotechnologists begin reviewing a patient’s history to see if there are areas where they should focus their attention. Next they’ll look at a slide of a cellular specimen under the microscope attempting to spot any cellular changes and making diagnoses that range from benign/normal, to infections, precancerous lesions and cancer.
To help aid in a definitive diagnosis, the cytotechnologist may perform and interpret additional diagnostic techniques, enabling them to go beyond the cellular level and explore what is happening at the molecular level (this is molecular cytology).
Following this process, they assemble all the “pieces of the puzzle” and arrive at a diagnosis that often serves as the basis for how the patient will be treated.
Coursework
The M.S. in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology 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.
You will have hands-on sessions with the microscope every day during your first year, both individually and as a group. Specialized equipment such as our “ten-headed” microscope provides a group of students with the ability to examine and discuss a single specimen at the same time, making it an invaluable teaching and learning tool.
The 58-credit program, which is split between courses in Cytotechnology (25 credits) and Biomedical Sciences (33 credits), has been designed specifically to prepare you for the national cytotechnologist certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 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.
You will have hands-on sessions with the microscope every day during your first year, both individually and as a group. Specialized equipment such as our “ten-headed” microscope provides a group of students with the ability to examine and discuss a single specimen at the same time, making it an invaluable teaching and learning tool.
The 58-credit program, which is split between courses in Cytotechnology (25 credits) and Biomedical Sciences (33 credits), has been designed specifically to prepare you for the national cytotechnologist certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 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.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations provide you with the ability to apply what you have learned in the classroom and lab to a real-world environment. Students may choose among 40 different ACPHS partner sites in which to complete their rotations, where they will work under the guidance of a licensed practitioner (referred to as the preceptor).
The first rotation is 6 weeks and takes place over the summer. The second rotation is 12 weeks and is completed in the fall of your second year. Below is a selection of sites where ACPHS students have performed their clinical rotations:
- Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY)
- St. Peter’s Health Partners (Albany, NY)
- Ellis Medicine (Albany, NY)
- SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital (Syracuse, NY)
- University of Rochester Medical Center (Rochester, NY)
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital (New York, NY)
The first rotation is 6 weeks and takes place over the summer. The second rotation is 12 weeks and is completed in the fall of your second year. Below is a selection of sites where ACPHS students have performed their clinical rotations:
- Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY)
- St. Peter’s Health Partners (Albany, NY)
- Ellis Medicine (Albany, NY)
- SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital (Syracuse, NY)
- University of Rochester Medical Center (Rochester, NY)
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital (New York, NY)
Capstone Project
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 depth.
This project represents the culmination of all that you have learned in the classroom, lab, and on your rotations. It consists of four basic components: (1) Literature analysis, (2) Case presentation for the American Society for Cytotechnology, (3) Cytologic-histologic correlation, and (4) Review paper and presentation.
Titles of past capstone papers include:
- Next Generation Sequencing: Genetics, Molecular, and Therapy
- Diagnostic Pitfalls, Molecular Diagnostics, and Management Guidelines of Urothelial Carcinoma
- Molecular Diagnostics, Genetics, and Targeted Therapy of Breast Cancer
- Circulating Tumor Cells: Methods, Applications, and Patient Management
This project represents the culmination of all that you have learned in the classroom, lab, and on your rotations. It consists of four basic components: (1) Literature analysis, (2) Case presentation for the American Society for Cytotechnology, (3) Cytologic-histologic correlation, and (4) Review paper and presentation.
Titles of past capstone papers include:
- Next Generation Sequencing: Genetics, Molecular, and Therapy
- Diagnostic Pitfalls, Molecular Diagnostics, and Management Guidelines of Urothelial Carcinoma
- Molecular Diagnostics, Genetics, and Targeted Therapy of Breast Cancer
- Circulating Tumor Cells: Methods, Applications, and Patient Management
Life After ACPHS
Over the past three years, graduates of the Master's program in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology at ACPHS have achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the ASCP cytotechnology certification exam as well as a 100% job placement rate. Successfully passing this exam means you are nationally recognized as a certified cytotechnologist as denoted by the CT(ASCP) credential.
As the demand for cytotechnologists continues to outpace the number of licensed professionals, graduates of the program have enjoyed great success finding employment immediately following graduation. Having a master's degree also positions them well for advancement into senior laboratory roles as they gain more experience.
Below is a list of places where some of our recent graduates are now employed:
- Albany Medical Center, NY
- Baystate Medical Center, MA
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, MO
- Ellis Hospital, NY
- Glens Falls Hospital, NY
- Labcorp, NY
- Mt. Sinai, NY
- Northwell Health, NY
- NY Presbyterian, NY
- Rochester Regional Health, NY
- Rutland Regional Medical Center, VT
- St Peter's Health Partners, NY
- University of Rochester Medical Center, NY
- International labs in both Oman and Saudi Arabia
As the demand for cytotechnologists continues to outpace the number of licensed professionals, graduates of the program have enjoyed great success finding employment immediately following graduation. Having a master's degree also positions them well for advancement into senior laboratory roles as they gain more experience.
Below is a list of places where some of our recent graduates are now employed:
- Albany Medical Center, NY
- Baystate Medical Center, MA
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, MO
- Ellis Hospital, NY
- Glens Falls Hospital, NY
- Labcorp, NY
- Mt. Sinai, NY
- Northwell Health, NY
- NY Presbyterian, NY
- Rochester Regional Health, NY
- Rutland Regional Medical Center, VT
- St Peter's Health Partners, NY
- University of Rochester Medical Center, NY
- International labs in both Oman and Saudi Arabia
For important information about licensure in the Unites States, please review our Professional Licensure Disclosures or contact the college admissions office.
Contact the Program Director
Jenna LeBlanc, MS CT (ASCP)
Director of the Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology Program
jenna.leblanc@acphs.edu
(518) 694-7315
Director of the Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology Program
jenna.leblanc@acphs.edu
(518) 694-7315
CONTACT GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
106 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 694-7130
graduate@acphs.edu
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 694-7130
graduate@acphs.edu