Bachelor of Science

The Cytotechnologist Program at the University of Utah, the only accredited program of its kind in the intermountain area, is sponsored by the University of Utah School of Medicine at the Health Sciences Center. The Center also includes the Colleges of Health, Nursing, and Pharmacy, and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Science Library. The program is based at the Associated Regional and University Pathologists (ARUP) Laboratories. ARUP is a unique for-profit national reference laboratory owned and operated by the University Academic Department of Pathology. University Health Care and the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, teaching hospitals with over 400 beds, serve as the regional centers for treatment of cancer and have more than 250,000 patient visits annually.

The University of Utah offers a Baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science to students completing a three plus one curriculum in cytotechnology. A student with a previous degree from an accredited college or university may apply for a second degree, provided they have fulfilled the prerequisites for the Program. The professional component consists of three semesters of study at ARUP Laboratories. Clinical rotations are provided at Intermountain Healthcare facilities and at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. The program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in collaboration with the American Medical Association.

Admission to the Cytotechnologist Program

The program begins in June and consists of professional courses taught primarily during the senior year. Students who wish to apply for the program, prepare for the professional courses with three or more years of study in a university or college that offers the required courses. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science with a Cytotechnologist Specialization. Applications should be submitted to the Program Director between September 1 and December 1 to be considered for admission to the program the following summer semester.

Students are advised to have strong backgrounds in biology or chemistry. Entry is dependent on

1. Successful completion of pre-professional university courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics; including a minimum of 28 semester hours of biology and chemistry combined
2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
3. Formal application submitted by December 1; and
4. Selection by the Cytotechnologist Program Admissions Committee for the program (one year length). Enrollment is limited and the Department of Pathology will select those applicants best qualified.

For Additional Information and application materials contact:

Michael Berry, SCT(ASCP), Director
Cytotechnologist Program