ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (TECHNICAL STANDARDS)
DMC-University Laboratories Cytotechnology Program has specified the following non-academic criteria (technical standards) that all applicants are expected to meet in order to participate in the program and professional practice. Applicants are responsible for notifying the Program Director in the event that he/she cannot meet these standards even with reasonable accommodations on the part of the program.
Sensory/Observational Skills
Applicants for admission to the Cytotechnology Program must be able to observe demonstrations, participate in laboratory exercises as required in the curriculum and visually evaluate cellular samples to discern subtle changes using the microscope. Therefore good vision is essential. Ideally, Applicants will have visual acuity corrected to 20/40 and visual perception with respect to depth and color.
Physical and Motor Skills
Applicants for admission to the Cytotechnology Program must have sufficient motor function to operate/manipulate a microscope and other laboratory instruments or equipment. Applicants must have dexterity with both wrists, hands and arms and dexterity with all fingers. Applicants must possess eye-hand coordination and have the ability to engage in laboratory procedures that involve grasping, pinching, pulling, fingering, holding, extending, rotation, and cutting. Applicants must have the ability to obtain and/or verify patient samples and possess sufficient stamina to tolerate physically taxing workloads.
Communication Skills
Applicants for admission to the Cytotechnology Program must be able to communicate in English in oral and written form. Applicants must have the ability to participate in discussion in the classroom, the clinical arena and with colleagues and patients. Applicants must be able to acquire information developed through classroom instruction, clinical experiences, independent learning, and consultation. Applicants must have the ability to understand and complete reading assignments and to search and evaluate the literature. Applicants must be able to complete written assignments and maintain written records. Applicants must acquire the ability to use a computer for instructional assignments and patient care activities.
Intellectual/Conceptual, Integrative and Qualitative Skills
Applicants for admission to the Cytotechnology Program must have the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, interpret, synthesize and evaluate data. Applicants must have the ability to learn to prioritize and perform laboratory testing. Applicants must have the ability to learn to make sound judgments and formulate diagnoses after correlating clinical data with cytologic findings. Applicants must possess organizational skills and be able to solve one or more problems within specific time frames that are often short. Applicants must have the ability to perform duties and assignments in a variety of settings and in a timely fashion that may potentially be stressful. In addition, Applicants must have the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of anatomic, histologic, and cellular structures.
Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism
Applicants for admission to the Cytotechnology Program must demonstrate the ability to follow instructions/procedures with accuracy and precision. Applicants must possess the ability to maintain intellectual and emotional stability and maturity under stress, while also maintaining appropriate performance standards. Applicants must have the ability to manage time, organize workload and meet deadlines. Applicants must be able to learn and exhibit professional attributes. Applicants must adhere to safety guidelines for self and others and be able to comply with standards and regulations required by external agencies. Applicants must have the ability to function as part of at a team and to learn to delegate responsibilities appropriately.
Applicants who are unable to satisfy the above expectations even with reasonable accommodations made by the program may not be considered for admission to the Program.
Back to Cytotechnology Program
