Cytology is the study of microscopic evaluation and interpretation of cellular samples collected from the different body sites. It is the micro-identification of benign and malignant changes as they are manifested in the cells. Through this course of study, cytotechnologists are trained to assist pathologists and clinicians in detecting cancer at its earliest and potentially most curable stage. A specialty in the broader field of medical laboratory science, cytotechnology prepares qualified individuals to pursue careers as bench cytotechnologists, teachers, administrators and as members of research teams.
Akron General Medical Center's Cytotechnology Program was established in 1966 to train competent, reliable, conscientious cytotechnologists. This program has been approved by the American Medical Association Council on Medical Education. Over 100 students have graduated from our program, which accepts only four students each year. The quality of our program is reaffirmed annually by the outstanding achievements of our graduates in the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) national registry examination.
The Cytology section of the Medical Center Laboratory is located on the first floor of the Main Laboratory, which boasts spacious teaching and conference rooms.
Four students are accepted in the program each year.
Guidelines for Prospective Students
- Baccalaureate Degree from a regionally accredited college/university with:
- 20 semester hours (30 quarter hours) of biological science (e.g., general biology, microbiology, parasitology, cell biology, physiology, anatomy, zoology, histology, embryology or genetics)
- 8 semester hours (12 quarter hours) of chemistry, and
- 3 semester hours (4 quarter hours of mathematics).
Length of Training
Twelve months of training are required by the Medical Center. Training is divided into two parts:
- First six months: 50% practical and 50% theoretical
- Second six months: 80% practical and 20% theoretical
Offsite Instruction
A required short rotation is provided at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation during the academic year. This involves traveling to The Cleveland Clinic near downtown Cleveland for a short rotation with the Cytology Department. Students will not assume responsibilities at Akron General Medical Center during this time. Students are responsible for their own transportation.
Tuition
Tuition is $5,000 per year and may be paid in two installments, one in July at the time of enrollment and the other in January of the following year. Tuition will not be refunded after the first 30 days of the program. Students are responsible for purchasing their own books.
No lodging, meals, stipends or other benefits are given to students.
Enrollment
Class begins on July 1. A personal interview is mandatory in Akron General Medical Center's Cytotechnology Program. Any student accepted into the program is required to submit a copy of a recent medical examination by a physician. This examination must include a chest x-ray and an eye examination. The copy of this exam must be submitted at least one month prior to admission.
Instructions for Application
For more information about Akron General Medical Center's Cytotechnology Program or to apply, please contact:
School of Cytotechnology
Akron General Medical Center
Joel Johnson, Education Coordinator
400 Wabash Avenue
Akron, OH 44307
jjohnson@agmc.org
330-344-6203 or 330-344-6225
