Cytotechnology Training Program

About the Program

Established in 1970, the Fletcher Allen Health Care School of Cytotechnology provides the only program of its kind in northern New England.

The school offers a twelve month educational program that is accredited by the American Society of Cytopathology, Cytotechnology Programs Review Committee in association with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The program is also approved as an accredited course of study by the Veterans Administration.

Offered annually beginning in September and continuing through the following August, students are in class 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. The first seven months of the program consists of formal didactic instruction and the visual study of selected cytologic material. The final five months focus on the clinical aspects of cytopathology. Students gain expertise in speed and accuracy by examining cytologic specimens in a simulated work environment. During this time students also learn to prepare and stain specimens, present case reports and discuss management and current issues in the field of cytopathology.

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Certificate in Cytotechnology and are eligible to participate in the national registry examination given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Admission Requirements

The educational requirement for admission is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum of 20 semester hours (30 quarter hours) of biological science (e.g. general biology, microbiology, parasitology, cell biology, physiology, anatomy, zoology, histology, embryology or genetics) and 8 semester hours (12 quarter hours) of chemistry and 3 semester (4 quarter hours) of mathematics is required.

For undergraduate students the opportunity for a "3+1" format exists through selected college affiliations. This provides for the concurrent completion of both a baccalaureate degree and the cytotechnology certificate program in four years.

Fees and Expenses

There is no fee associated with the application process.

Tuition for the twelve-month program is $7000. In addition, students are charged for the cost of their textbooks, which are ordered by the Program Director. Lab coats are provided by the school to wear when necessary.

Students are responsible for providing their own living accommodations.

Upon acceptance into the program, students are eligible to apply for loans offered through VSAC (Vermont Student Assistance Corporation) and through the TERI Loan Programs.

Application Procedure

An application packet including a curriculum description and student policy handbook will be forwarded upon request. The applicant is responsible for submitting the following to the Program Director: Completed Application Form Official transcripts of all college or university credits (foreign transcripts require evaluation by an approved accrediting agency).

The above documentation should be submitted no later than the first day of April prior to the September class to which the applicant is applying. A personal interview is required and will be arranged for applicants who have met the basic requirements. Early applications are encouraged as the School operates with rolling admissions resulting in some student positions being filled prior to April.

Upon admission to the program a review of immunization history and a color blindness test will be conducted by the Fletcher Allen Health Care Environmental Health and Safety Department.

It is the policy of Fletcher Allen School of Cytotechnology to provide equal opportunity in admissions and school activities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or handicap.

About Fletcher Allen

Fletcher Allen, in close affiliation with The University of Vermont, has as its mission the improvement of health status in the communities it serves.

Providing a full range of tertiary level inpatient and outpatient services, it is a health care resource and regional referral center for a service area of one million people. State-of-the-art cardiology services, radiology, kidney dialysis and transplant, rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy and a regional laboratory are examples of Fletcher Allen's cutting-edge technology.

About Burlington, Vermont

The School of Cytotechnology is located at the Medical Center Campus of Fletcher Allen in Burlington -- Vermont's largest city.  Burlington combines many of the advantages of urban living with the qualities of rural life.

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain and situated between the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondack Mountains of New York State to the west, the Burlington region offers unlimited year round recreational opportunities. During the warmer months boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and bicycling are available. Winter offers skating, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing. Local cultural activities include the Mozart and Shakespeare Festivals and other performing arts presented by the Flynn Theatre and the Lane Series.

Learn more about living in the Green Mountain State.

Contact Us

All correspondence should be addressed to:

Sandra Giroux
Program Director

School of Cytotechnology
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Medical Center Campus
111 Colchester Avenue
Burlington, Vermont 05401
(802) 847-5133
Directions

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