Prospective Students
The Department of Allied Health Sciences of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine offers a Graduate Level Certificate Program in Cytotechnology which is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Program Director: Allen C. Rinas, MS CT(ASCP), CM(IAC)
Medical Director: Keith Vomar. MD
The professional program consists of a 12 month curriculum that includes discipline specific courses and courses taken with other Allied Health and/or graduate students. The professional courses provide the theoretical experience in all areas of diagnostic cytology (see course descriptions). Classroom and laboratory instruction and integrated clinical practice provide the experience necessary for successful entry into the profession of Cytotechnology. The curriculum includes a wide variety of advanced technical skills including: laboratory management, cytopreparatory techniques, immunohistochemistry, molecular diagnostics, image analysis, automation and independent study projects.
Clinical practice integrated through out the three semesters is conducted at UNC Health Care and other affiliated hospitals and laboratories surrounding the Chapel Hill area. Students must provide their own transportation to each of the assigned sites.
Upon successful completion of the Program, students qualify to take the National Certification Board exam given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP). Board certified professionals then have the title of CT (ASCP) after their name, indicating that they are board certified in cytotechnology by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.