Clinical Laboratory Science · Cell and Molecular Biology

Cytopathology

INTRODUCTION:

Cytopathology is the microscopic study of cellular samples from body tissues. Cytotechnologists are the medical laboratory professionals that evaluate specimens from various body sites to detect evidence of disease at the cellular level. Cytotechnologists use methods that can detect hormonal abnormalities, infectious diseases, premalignant and malignant diseases, and many other diseases. One of the most rewarding aspects of cytopathology is the opportunity to save lives by detecting early, many hidden cancers which are only visible at the microscopic level. Career opportunities are extensive and expanding. There is currently a 5-10% national shortage of cytotechnologists and a 10-15% national shortage of cytopathology managers.

The graduate program in cytopathology is divided into two phases. In the first, the student enrolls in a twelve-month clinical internship at the Rhode Island School of Cytotechnology sponsored by Women and Infants and Our Lady of Fatima Hospitals. The student is eligible to become a certified and/or licensed cytotechnologist upon completion of the internship. The second phase is a part-time, evening, Providence-based program with courses in advanced clinical practice, education, management, and research.

ACCREDITATION:

The Rhode Island School of Cytotechnology at Women and Infants' Hospital and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health, Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Cytotechnology Programs Review Committee of the American Society of Cytotechnology.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

Undergraduate degree in the life sciences, physical sciences, or health sciences with a minimum of 20 semester hours of biological sciences, (anatomy and physiology are recommended), 8 semester hours in chemistry. Admission into the Cytopathology track is contingent upon admission into the Rhode Island School of Cytotechnology. Applicants with deficiencies in background courses may be required to complete appropriate course work without graduate credit.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

Core courses: 15 credits including
• BCP(MTC)551 (Advanced Clinical Biochemistry),
• EDC505 or 582 or 583 or 584(Educational Methods), or MIC(ASP)534 (Virology)
• MTC510(Laboratory Management),
• MTC512(Research Methodology), and
• MTC513(Advanced Clinical Immunology):

The Clinical Internship: 24 credits

• MTC561 through 566 (the student may apply to take the national certification examination upon completion of the internship).
• Comprehensive computerized written examination.
• Major research paper.


MTC Courses (Cytopathology)
First Semester

• MTC561 Introduction of Cytotechnology - 3 credits
• MTC563 Cytopathology - 3 credits
• MTC565 Cytology Practicum I(gynecological) - 6 credits
  TOTAL 12 credits

Second Semester

• MTC562 Special Topics in Cytotechnology - 3 credits
• MTC564 Medical Cytology - 3 credits
• MTC566 Cytology Practicum II-(Non Gynecological) - 6 credits
  TOTAL 12 credits
  

PROGRAM
(Subject to change; fees are same for Rhode Island residents and non- residents):

A) A 12-month clinical internship at The Rhode Island School of Cytotechnology.
$14,000. (payable in equal amounts in June and December).

B) Evening part-time courses (five 3-credit courses based in Providence) . . .
$800./course

GRADUATE FACULTY:

• University of Rhode Island
  Jay F. Sperry, Ph.D. Chairman
  Gregory E. Paquette, Ph.D. CLS, Director of Graduate Studies

• Rhode Island School of Cytotechnology
  Phyllis Vezza, M.D.; (Co-Medical Director, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital)
  Latha Pisharodi, M.D.; (Co-Medical Director, Women and Infants Hospital)
  Barbara G. Klitz, B.S., CT(ASCP); Program Director
  Evelyn C. Riddell, B.S. , CT (ASCP), Education Coordinator

• Adjunct Associate Professor Jacob Canick, Ph.D.(Director, Endocrinology and Pre-natal screening)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Claire Eklund, M.S., SCT(ASCP)(Supervisor, Department of Cytology)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Yao Tek Kaw, M.D., (Associate Pathologist, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island
• Adjunct Professor Stuart Lauchlan, MC, CH.B.(Associate Pathologist)
• Adjunct Associate Professor William P. Metheny, Ph.D.
• Adjunct Assistant Professor Allen Freeman, MS (Administrative Director, Clinical Services)
• Adjunct Professor Calvin Oyer, M.D.(Associate Pathologist)
• Adjunct Professor Hallit Pinar, M.D.,(Director, Molecular Pathology)
• Adjunct Professor Yvonne Rizk, M.D.(Associate Pathologist)
• Adjunct Professor Don Singer, M.D.(Associate Pathologist)
• Adjunct Professor James Sung, M.D.(Associate Pathologist)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Umadevi Tantravahi, Ph.D.(Cytogenetics)
  
  For More Information about this program contact:
  
  Gregory Paquette Ph.D. CLS(NCA), Director
  
  Phone: (401) 874-2315
  E-Mail: gregcls@uri.edu