Major in Cytotechnolgy at SUNY Plattsburgh

Major in Cytotechnology

What is Cytotechnology?

Cytotechnologists are health-care professionals who are responsible for analyzing tissue and cell specimens for abnormalities such as cancer and viral infections, primarily in a hospital setting. The cytotechnology major prepares students for the 12-month clinical internship program in cytotechnology as part of a "3+1" four-year degree. This program is for students interested in careers in medical research, clinical laboratory analyses, and research.

Our Cytotechnology Major Allows You To:

• Immediately qualify for employment as a board certified cytotechnologist.
• Work in research, hospitals, and health care organizations.
• Continue your education in graduate or medical schools.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cytotechnology (90 + 30 credits)

The cytotechnology major is, like medical technology, a "3+1" academic program that prepares students for the 12-month clinical internship in an accredited cytotechnology program. Cytotechnologists are health-care professionals whose primary responsibilities include the diagnosis of cancerous, pre-cancerous, and virus-infected cells.

This three year program of study prepares the student for the clinical training year with an academic schedule including cell biology, anatomy & physiology, immunology, and optional coursework in virology.

Program Requirements

• View the cytotechnology major course curriculum. Note: This 946kB PDF file documents require the latest version of Acrobat Reader, which is available as a free download.
• View biology course descriptions.

Residency Opportunities

Accepted student spend 12 months in residence at a clinical training center where they follow a curriculum approved by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the American Medical Association.

Affiliated hospitals include:

• Berkshire Medical Center (Pittsfield, MA)
• Fletcher Allen Health Care (Burlington, VT)
• The Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY)

Note: Admission to non-affiliated hospitals is also possible.

Questions, Comments, Suggestions?

If you would like more information about biological sciences at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:

Dr. Neil Buckley, Chair
Office: Beaumont Hall 444
Phone: (518) 564-3155
Email: neil.buckley@plattsburgh.edu