Cytotechnology is the microscopic study of cells to distinguish the presence of malignant or pre-malignant disease. Cytotechnologists are trained to recognize the pathological difference between normal and diseased cells. Their work is essential to physicians and to the medical field in the detection of cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

BECOMING A CYTOTECHNOLOGIST
In the fourth year of study, students will be eligible for competitive entry into a twelve-month internship with the State Laboratory of Hygiene, School of Cytotechnology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

During the internship, students will spend most of their time performing microscopic study and attending discussions and lectures on anatomy, endocrinology, histology, physiology, pathology, and cytology.

In the second half of the year, students will begin actually performing supervised examinations of clinical specimens to strengthen diagnostic skills.

Part of students’ time will be spent in a series of outside laboratories related to the cytology program.

CAREER LINKS

WI State Laboratory of Hygiene
http://www.slh.wisc.edu/wps/wcm/connect/extranet/home