Biology-Cytotechnology Emphasis
What is Cytotechnology?
Cytotechnology is defined as the microscopic study of cells
exfoliated or obtained manually from body tissues. These cells
may reveal the presence of malignant or premalignant disease
conditions. The cytotechnologist learns to differentiate malignant
from normal cells, and thereby assists the physician in detecting
cancer in its earliest and potentially most curable stage.
Degree Requirements
A student accepted into this professional program normally
completes 93 semester credits of coursework at UW-Platteville
in three years. This coursework includes courses in basic skills,
humanities and fine arts, social sciences, natural sciences
and international education. After completing three years of
undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville,
the student applies and if accepted will spend the last 12 months
at the School of Cytotechnology, State Laboratory of Hygiene,
Madison, Wis., where he/she earns a total of 36 semester
credits. The admission into the Cytotechnology Program is
highly competitive and students are advised to maintain a high
G.P.A., preferably a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 and above. Upon
successfully completing the professional program at Madison, the
student graduates from UW-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science
degree in biology with an emphasis in cytotechnology.
Career Opportunities
Students successfully completing their 12 months of training
receive a certificate from the School of Cytotechnology and a
baccalaureate degree from UW-Platteville and are qualified for
employment in any cytology laboratory. They are also eligible
to take the written and practical examination in cytotechnology,
conducted by the Board of Registry of the American Society of
Clinical Pathologists. Passing both the written and practical parts
of this examination is required for certification as a C.T. (ASCP).
Because of the great need for cytotechnologists, graduates have
no difficulty finding suitable employment.
Suggested Pre-Professional Course of Study
at UW-Platteville
A minimum of 69 semester credits are required in basic skills,
humanities and fine arts, social sciences and race/gender.
Biology courses—Minimum of 20 credits are required.
Bio
1650 Unity of Life
5
Bio
2040 Cell Biology
4
Bio
3240 Microbiology
4
Bio
3330 Genetics
3
Bio
4340 Mammalian Histology
4
Chemistry courses—Minimum of 8 credits are required.
Chem 1140 General Chemistry I
4
Chem 1240 General Chemistry II
4
Suggested Professional Course of Study at State
Laboratory of Hygiene—Madison, Wis.
The first six months of the Professional Program at Madison
consist of lectures, discussions, laboratory procedures, quizzes,
films, demonstrations and microscopy. Lectures and discussions
focus on anatomy, histology, endocrinology, physiology,
pathology and cytology.
The second six months are devoted to supervised microscopy of
clinical specimens, during which the student further develops
skills and diagnostic acumen. Students rotate through outside
laboratories related to the cytology program. The second
semester curriculum includes a two-week study in hematology
and a four-week course in cytogenetics.
For More Information
For more information write to the Department of Biology,
UW-Platteville, 1 University Plaza, Platteville WI 53818-3099, or
call 608.342.1793.
For general information on the university and its programs,
consult the website at www.uwplatt.edu or contact Prospective
Student Services, UW-Platteville, 1 University Plaza, Platteville
WI 53818-3099, or call toll-free 1.877.897.5288 or locally
608.342.1127.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville does not discriminate
on the basis of age, race, creed, color, handicap, sex, sexual
orientation, developmental disability, national origin, ancestry,
marital status, arrest record or conviction record.
(Pubs 12-0820 Revised—08/22/12)
Suggested Course of Study
First Year
First Semester
1130 Freshman Composition
1830 Math or a higher Math course
1650 Unity of Life
Social Science/Humanities Elective
Phy Ed 100 3
3
5
3
1
15
Second Semester
1230 Freshman Composition
1140 Chemistry
Math
Social Science/Humanities Elective
Phy Ed. 100
3
4
3-4
3
1
14-15
Second Year
First Semester
2040 Cell Biology
1240 Chemistry
1010 Public Speaking
Social Sciences/Humanities
Second Semester
Biology Elective*
Social Science/Humanities Elective
International Ed.
Eth. Studies
Phy. Ed Elective
4
4
2
6
16
4
3
3
3
1
14
Third Year
First Semester
3240 Microbiology
Biology Elective
Social Science/Humanities Elective
3000English: Technical Writing
Supplemental LS Elective
Second Semester
3330 Genetics
Social Science/Humanities Elective
Supplemental LS Electives
* Recommended Biology Electives: Human Biology,
A&P I&II, Animal Tissue Culture, Biotechnology,
Immunology, Adv. Phys, Mammalian Histology,
Electron Microscopy.
4
4
3
3
3
17
3
3
9
15