Master's in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology
The master's degree program in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology (MSCM) at ACPHS is a 66 credit hour, lab-intensive clinical program leading to professional licensure. Students typically complete the program in two years. The MSCM program is only offered on the Albany Campus.
The curriculum includes 48 credits of advanced-level coursework, students will complete 12 credits of Clinical Practicum, 6 credits of thesis research, and write and defend a master's thesis.
The thesis component of the program is a collaborative effort between the student and the advisor. Thesis advisors and a thesis committee composed of MSCM faculty are typically chosen in the fall or early spring of the first year of full time study.
Program Overview
Cytotechnology training prepares students to be highly qualified diagnostic team members. Working with pathologists, students develop skills in the detection of changes in cellular preparations from all body sites for the early diagnosis of cancer, precancerous changes, and infections. The cytotechnologist works with a wide variety of laboratory specimen preparations and integrates cytologic diagnoses with other adjuvant innovative technologies such as molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry to ensure a correct and valid diagnosis.
Molecular Cytology expands the student’s understanding of pathology at the genomic and proteomic levels by providing the fundamental knowledge of molecular genetics and the various diagnostic techniques used in the laboratory for diagnosis and to assist oncologists in personalizing the treatment for cancer patients based on the unique genetic profile.
Traditional and State-of-the-Art
The program merges traditional cytotechnology and state-of-the-art biomedical technology. Responding to innovation in medical diagnostics, the program prepares students to be at the forefront of cell-based diagnostics. The program integrates and reinforces the understanding of many facets of pathology including cancer at the tissue, cellular and molecular levels.
The MSCM program offers an integrated curriculum and also provides excellent clinical internship opportunities in leading hospitals and medical centers locally and throughout New York state and beyond.
Career Pathways
After graduation, our students find employment in hospitals, medical centers, private or reference laboratories, government agencies, professional organizations and industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010 the median annual salary nationally was $56,130 and median hourly wage for cytotechnologists ranged from $31 to $39 depending on the setting. The job prospects upon completion of the program are excellent.
ACPHS enjoys a long history of successfully training cytotechnologists, and our program has an excellent pass rate in the ASCP certification exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Professional Licensure
Upon successful completion of the MSCM program, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination (CT) administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Successful completion of this examination is documentation of entry level competencies in the profession. To obtain licensure in New York State, students must indicate their intent as part of the registration process through ASCP and complete the licensure application through NYS Office of Professions. Click the following links for information related to application to ASCP and the application for licensure in New York State.
The MSCM program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education and is registered with New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions. Graduates of the Master's in Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology have achieved a 100% pass rate in the ASCP national certification exam in the last three years.
Admission and Application Requirements
The MSCM program welcomes applications from academically well-prepared students who have, or expect to receive, a minimum 3.0 GPA in a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate science field that includes the following coursework:
Prerequisites
- > Chemistry (8 credits)
- > Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits)
- > Cell Biology (4 credits)
- > Mathematics and Statistics
- > Microbiology (4 credits)
- > Immunology (encouraged, but not required)
Successful candidates also demonstrate a high degree of maturity and professionalism, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to work independently within a larger team of health professionals.
Click the following link for a complete list of admission and application requirements, including the online application.
Contact
For more information about graduate education at ACPHS, please contact:
Donna Myers
Director of Pharmacy and Graduate Admissions
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
106 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
(518) 694-7149 or (888) 203-8010
graduate@acphs.edu
