Pre-Cytology Roadmap
Start your journey to becoming a healthcare professional.
Cytology is an allied health specialty that combines a career in science with a significant role in health care. Working with a microscope, cytologists work with a pathologist to study specimens from all body sites. Using subtle clues in the cells themselves, cytologist scan diagnose cancer, precancerous lesions, benign tumors, infectious agents and inflammatory processes. cytologists help save lives by discovering certain diseases early when treatment is most effective.
Cytologists are employed in hospital and private laboratories, university medical centers and government facilities. With experience, positions are available at the supervisory, educational and administrative levels. The job responsibilities of cytologists are expanding and research opportunities are increasing with the advancement of new tumor identification techniques.
Pre- Cytology Roadmap at UNL
Cytology Prerequisite Classes
The only academic requirement for UNMC’s Cytotechnology program is to have earned a bachelor’s degree; UNMC does not require specific prerequisite courses. However, in addition to completing a bachelor’s degree (science suggested but not required), a strong background in the biological sciences, chemistry, and math is strongly recommended. Previous healthcare experience is also desired.
Many Cytotechnology programs other than UNMC require between 20-30 semester hours of biology, chemistry, math, and statistics. Students considering applying to these programs are encouraged to research the requirements for those programs. The following is a list of recommended and suggested courses.
Recommended Courses
BIOS 101/101L
BIOS 110/110L
BIOS 111 or 312/314
LIFE 120/120L & LIFE 121/121L
BIOS 201*
BIOS 213/213L
BIOS 443
Any BIOS 3xx or 4xx
*Previously BIOS 206
CHEM 109A/109L & CHEM 110A/110L
CHEM 251/253 & CHEM 252/254
Any CHEM or BIOC 2xx or greater
BIOC 401/401L or BIOC 431
CSCE 101
MATH 101, 103, 106, 107, or 208
STAT 218 or EDPS 459
Suggested Science Sequencing
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Semester 5 | Semesters 6-8 |
Sequence may vary from above depending on declared major requirements
The above courses are recommendations only as each graduate program may have widely varying requirements. Please meet with an Explore Center Advisor for more information and guidance. Students are strongly encouraged to contact their desired graduate schools for specific course requirements or recommendations.
Extracurricular Involvement and Activities:
Pursuing Pre-Cytotechnology requires more than just coursework. Your extracurricular activities, employment, and healthcare experiences like shadowing and volunteering will contribute greatly to your success in this field. See a pre-health advisor in the Explore Center to plan extracurricular activities that will prepare you for this program.
Application and Admission
Applications: Students interested in pursuing the certification in cytotechnology at an accredited program will follow the specific application procedures for each program. See caahep.org for a list of accredited programs. To apply to the program at UNMC, go to https://catalog.unmc.edu/allied-health-professions/cytotechnology/.
Entrance exam: No entrance exam is required.
Additional admission requirements: Some programs will require an interview and receipt of letters of recommendation prior to admittance to the program. For UNMC’s Cytotechnology program, materials required include an application, resume, essays, official college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.