Cytotechnologist
Cytotechnologists are clinical laboratory professionals specializing in the analysis of patient specimens for the purpose of screening for or diagnosis of disease processes at the cellular level. They assist with the collection and preparation of specimens, and detection and interpretation of normal and abnormal cells including cancer and precancerous lesions, as well as infectious agents using microscopic morphology, special stains, and computerized imaging. In addition, these individuals are responsible for all activities related to the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of testing including, but not limited to test selection and development, equipment selection, operation and maintenance, result reporting, quality control and assurance, and statistical analysis of performance.
Requirements
Registered by American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Accredited Cytotechnology Schools in Michigan
Cytotechnology programs are available at the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate levels, and are offered by universities and hospitals. The pre-requisites for admission into a Cytotechnology program may vary a little bit depending on the school, but 20 semester hours of biology, 8 semester hours of chemistry, and 3 semester hours of mathematics is the standard pre-requisite. Cytotechnology programs are 12 months long. Upon successful completion of a Cytotechnology program in an accredited school, the student becomes eligible for taking the national certification exam by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry.
DMC — University Laboratories
Program in Cytotechnology
Hutzel Hospital — Pathology Dept.
4707 ST. Antoine Boulevard
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 745-2512
(Certificate and Bachelors degree)
For a complete listing of accredited Cytotechnology Programs, visit the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. This list is updated regularly.
Cytotechnologist Specific Duties
- Screen gynecological (both conventional and liquid based paps) and non-gynecological specimens
- Assist on fine needle aspirates
- Assist on bronchoscopies
- Help process specimens when needed
Histotechnologist
Histotechnologists and Histology Technicians are professional laboratory personnel who have been trained to prepare tissue specimens for diagnostic evaluation by a pathologist. The tissue preparation involves several steps including fixation, processing, paraffin embedding, microtoming and staining.
Requirements
Registered by American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Accredited Histotechnology Schools in Michigan
Histology programs are available at both the baccalaureate (Histotechnologist) and associate (Histology Technician) degree level. A minimum of 30 semester hours of biology and chemistry are required for the baccalaureate degree. For the associate degree, a minimum of 12 semester hours of biology and chemistry are required. Both degrees also require at least one year of experience of histopathology. Following completion of the academic and practical prerequisites, the student is eligible to apply to take the written and practical examinations leading to certification with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry.
Ferris State University— clinical rotations are offered at Munson Medical Center.
Histotechnologist Specific Duties
- Cut routine and stat frozen sections/autopsy sections
- Label slides, coordinate with reports, deliver to pathologist
- Prepare dye solutions and perform special stains
- Immunopenoxidase stains
- Process surgical tissue specimens
- Embed surgical tissue specimens
- Troubleshoot staining and processing problems
- Recycle alcohol and solvent solutions
Medical Technologist
Medical Technologists are health care professionals trained to work in the clinical laboratory. The sub-specialties of the clinical laboratory in which they become proficient include blood bank, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and urinalysis. The Medical Technologist also operates, validates, and maintains sophisticated, highly technical equipment and computers. They must incorporate their knowledge of the sciences with the technical procedures to provide health care workers the information to diagnose and treat their patients.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree with laboratory experience required
Accredited Medical Technologist Schools in Michigan
Medical Technology programs are available at the baccalaureate level. The program involves numerous courses in chemistry and biology with an internship at an affiliate hospital. Currently, Munson Medical Center is in partnership with Ferris State University and Michigan State University. After successful completion of the program, the medical technology student is eligible for taking the national certification exam offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Medical Technologist Specific Duties
- Analyze patient samples through established laboratory procedures
- Review patient data to correlate with critical values or physiological states
- Troubleshoot equipment when necessary