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Cytotechnology Program
DMC-University Laboratories Cytotechnology Program is accreditated by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation by the American Society of Cytopathology Cytotechnology Programs Review Committee.
DMC-University Laboratories Cytotechnology Program is located on the main level of Old Hutzel Hospital located at 4707 St. Antoine in Detroit, Michigan.
The program accepts a maximum of 5 students each year for 12 months of practical training. The program begins in August and ends the following August. However the program reserves the right to change the start and completion dates provided due notice is given to applicants.
Cytotechnologists examine cell samples under the microscope primarily for the presence of cancer and pre-cancer cells although certain non-cancerous conditions may also be detected. The majority of cell samples are gynecologic specimens (Pap tests), but they may also include non-gynecologic specimens from virtually any body site, such as respiratory, urine, gastrointestinal, body cavity (chest, abdominal or heart cavities), and central nervous system specimens and specimens collected from lesions by fine needle aspiration. Cytotechnologists work closely with the cytopathologist in the Cytopathology laboratory. Cytotechnologists are the “front-line” being the first to evaluate the cells in each sample, making decisions about whether cells are normal or abnormal, locating and marking the cells of most significance and rendering a final interpretation in the case of normal Pap tests and a preliminary interpretation for all abnormal Pap tests and all non-gynecologic specimens which are then submitted to the pathologist for final interpretation. With these skills and responsibilities, cytotechnologists play a critical role in detection of cancer and pre-cancer so that patients can begin to receive treatment, and in some cases, be cured.
The overall goal of the program is to prepare competent entry-level cytotechnologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains. The program curriculum is structured to provide a professional environment through close interaction with DMC-UL Cytopathology Laboratory. Students have the opportunity to receive first hand knowledge and experience with a functioning laboratory and to interact with working health care professionals including cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, laboratory assistants, residents, fellows and clinicians. Approximately 9 months are dedicated to in-depth didactic studies of all body systems, each including formal lectures, microscopic instruction and practice, and specimen preparation techniques. The balance of the program is devoted to supervised microscopy of routine laboratory specimens. Throughout the internship, students also participate in a variety of relevant experiences such as management-, research-, and education-focused projects, lectures and activities related to special topics that are relevant to current and future practice, clinic visits, journal reviews, conferences, and local cytopathology conferences when they are available. Emphasis is placed on competence in problem solving, accuracy and professional development throughout the entire program.
The program is dedicated to fair practices as set forth in the Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Cytotechnology (2004) by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
| Medical Director | Mujtaba Husain, MD |
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