School of Diagnostic Cytology

About Diagnostic Cytology

Diagnostic Cytology is the study of the structure and the function of cells taken from the body to detect cell malignancy (cancer or other diseases).

What Do Cytotechnologists Do?

A Cytotechnologist is a Medical Laboratory Technologist who specializes in detection and diagnosis cancer and other diseases at a cellular level. Cytotechnologists are integral in the early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. Upon preparing specimens for analysis, Cytotechnologists use a microscope to carefully screen cells and interpret their features to detect malignant cells. Cytotechnologists work closely with Pathologists, acting as the first point of detection of cell defects. Cytotechnologists are responsible for completing reports for the specimens they interpret. Normal results are forwarded directly to physicians who report these results to the patient. Cells showing abnormal morphology are marked and forwarded to pathologists for further analysis.

Is a Career in Cytotechnology for You?

If you are fascinated by science, have a passion for helping others and want a career where your work makes a difference, you will find a career in Cytotechnology to be very fulfilling.

A Cytotechnologist spends the majority of the day working independently with a microscope and as such, must enjoy an autonomous work environment. A true interest in science, its potential and its correlation to human health is essential to succeed in this field. Cytotechnologists do not have much patient contact but, at times, they do work closely with other health care professionals, particularly Pathologists. Work is meticulous and repetitive and requires great focus, attention to detail and problem-solving ability. Visual acuity is essential in order be able to identify cell malignancies in their earliest stages. Cytotechnologists must be accurate, reliable and efficient, be comfortable with a high degree of responsibility and thrive in an environment of pressure. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also important.

Career Outlook

The Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) indicates that a career in Cytotechnology will offer long-term viability in the Canadian market. As with all other diagnostic disciplines, the demand for services and specialists will only increase as the population grows and ages.

Because it is an area of such specialty, DSM’s School of Diagnostic Cytology only opens program seats based on market need with the goal of guaranteed employment upon graduation. In February of each year the need to run the program is assessed. If there is a need the program will commence in September of that year and if not, the need will be reassessed in February of the following year. Interested applicants should submit their application form by May 31 to be considered for possible fall intake within the same calendar year.

Earnings

Approximate annual entry-level salary - $48 000
Approximate annual salary with ten years experience - $61 000

School of Diagnostic Cytology Program Outline

The program runs 20 consecutive months, starting in September and divided into five semesters.

Studies occur primarily at the DSM Cytology Lab at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, where all clinical practice also occurs. Select courses are taken off-site at Red River College.

The following brochure outlines the areas of study, focus of each semester and examination process.

Program Brochure
Program Cost Info

Application Form

Interested applicants should submit their application form by May 31 to be considered for possible fall intake within the same calendar year.

Selection Process

Because Diagnostic Cytology is such a specialty area and DSM’s goal is guaranteed employment upon program completion, placements are limited to two students per class. The program is offered based on market need and is not offered every year.

• Applications and entrance requirements are reviewed. If all qualifications are met, qualified applicants are scheduled for an interview.
• Following the interviews the applicants are ranked according the Grade Point Average (GPA) (30%) and interview skills/answers (70%). Those selected for the Diagnostic Cytology Program are notified in writing.
• Those selected are required to indicate, in writing, their desire to accept or decline entrance in the program.
• If a selected applicant declines entrance into the program, the next ranked applicant is offered the seat.
• Prior to ranking, preference is given to residents of Manitoba.

Certification

Upon graduation, students must achieve certification from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), as well as licensure with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM).

Program Pre-Requisites

Program acceptance requires a high school diploma and one of the following pre-requisites:

Required Courses: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Chemistry, Biology, Statistics and a writing credit course, taken as part of:

University of Manitoba University 1
University of Manitoba Bachelor of Science
University of Winnipeg Bachelor of Science
University of Winnipeg Pre-Medical Laboratory Technologist Year(click on Pre-Medical Technology under Certification & Preparatory Studies)

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