Biology/Cytotechnology, B.S./M.S.

Complement and enhance your major area of study with one of the following minors offered by the Natural Sciences Department.

• Biology
• Chemistry 

Cytotechnology is a specialty within the spectrum of medical care which involves the microscopic interpretation of cells to detect cancer, as well as other abnormalities.

The cytotechnologist must possess the technical skills for a wide variety of cytologic laboratory specimen preparations including a basic knowledge of contemporary procedures and technologies applicable to the practice of cytology, which includes but is not limited to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, fluorescence-in-situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry and cell search assays. In addition, continuing demand for support for various technological advances in the field of pathology requires continuing education and assessment of the Cytotechnology professional.

Student Centered

• The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Daemen College Master’s in Cytotechnology Program will graduate cytotechnology practitioners who are professionally competent and in whom high ethical standards and novel technologies in the profession have been instilled with appropriate emphasis on the workforce needs of New York State.
• Prepare competent entry-level cytotechnologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• Provide education of the highest quality in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Education Programs in Cytotechnology established by the cytotechnology Programs Review Committee (CPRC) of the American Society of cytotechnology for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
• Maximize recruitment opportunities by continuing to develop relationships with university and local high school career counselors, faculty and advisors.
• Provide advisory service to students to facilitate their progress, broaden and enrich their educational experience, and anticipate and solve problems.  Emphasize retention of students by early identification of students in the Daemen College 4+1 program pathway.
• Afford students the basic technical skills to prepare, evaluate and interpret all types of cytologic specimens and the ability to develop the skills necessary for technological advancements.
• Prepare cytotechnologists with a basic understanding of the principles of supervision and management to be able to accept positions of authority and leadership with appropriate experience.
• Graduate students who realize their position in the total health care structure and who understand their legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities to patients, their physicians, employers and the communities they serve.
• Encourage communication, cooperation, and interdisciplinary activities among cytotechnologists and other healthcare professionals.
• Sustain an updated curriculum to assure that graduates gain national certification and state licensure.
• Evaluate student competency through specified outcome measures.
• Continually evaluate the curriculum and, when necessary, implement changes that ensure graduation of confident, competent and contemporary practitioners in the field of cytopathology.
• Encourage students to think critically, solve complex problems, and make informed rational responsible decisions within scientific social, cultural, legal, clinical, and ethical contexts.
• Encourage students to communicate clearly, accurately, and persuasively with various audiences using a variety of methods and media.
• Integrate self-assessment learning needs and create, implement, and evaluate strategies to promote intellectual growth and continued professional competence.
• Demonstration of effective social interaction within the workplace and within professional organizations and systems.
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Daemen College Master’s in Cytotechnology Program will promote scholarly activity as part of the mission of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Daemen College, and affiliate institutions.
• Impart graduates with the research skills needed to be able to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in cytopathology and assist in the advancement of the profession.
• Contribute to the professional body of knowledge through research, publications, and presentations.

Faculty 

• The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Daemen College Master’s in Cytotechnology Program will maintain a distinguished, respected and productive faculty.
• Explore all opportunities for professional growth.
• Encourage and support active participation in professional organizations.
• Provide the resources necessary to increase faculty productivity and development.
• Explore opportunities for faculty practice, consulting and grants.

• The Master’s in Cytotechnology Program will maintain and offer public and professional community service to demonstrate the value of the teaching, research and patient care activities by providing appropriate outreach services.
• Encourage faculty and students to volunteer for community activities that enhance professional visibility while also providing needed services.

Communities of Interest Oriented

The Master’s in Cytotechnology Program will provide the community with faculty and graduates who value continuing education, lifelong learning, and maintenance of competence. 

Partnerships

• The Master’s in Cytotechnology Program will establish and maintain partnerships that increase the resources of the program.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with clinical sites to provide meaningful practical experiences for students.
• Explore, direct and develop mechanisms to bring funding into the program by development opportunities, continuing education offerings, grantsmanship and faculty practice.
• Increase involvement of alumni throughout the state.