Overview
Edgewood College students interested in becoming a laboratory scientist may want to consider majoring in cytotechnology.
Cytotechnology is the study of cell morphology. Cytotechnologists evaluate patient specimens using a microscope and molecular testing. More specifically, they locate, identify, and diagnose abnormal cells.
Coursework
For the cytotechnology major at Edgewood College, students complete three years of undergraduate academic study, including the completion of general education degree requirements and a minimum of 90 credits. They then complete a one-year internship at the State laboratory of Hygiene, School of Cytotechnology, Madison, WI. During the internship, a student earns 38 credits.
Students must complete the following science and math courses prior to the internship:
Biological Sciences
30 credits in the Biological Sciences Department:
- Bio 151 General Biology: Cell Biology and Ecology (or)
- Bio 181 Honors General Biology: Cell Biology and Ecology
- Bio 152 General Biology: Genetics and Evolution (or)
- Bio 182 Information Flow in Living Systems – Honors
- Bio 210 Anatomy and Physiology I
- Bio 211 Anatomy and Physiology II
- Bio 312 Microbiology
- Bio 401 Genetics
- Bio 402 Cell and Molecular Biology (offered even falls)
- Bio 410 Pathology
Chemistry
One year of general chemistry:
- Chem 120 General Chemistry I
- Chem 121 General Chemistry II
Mathematics
One of the following mathematics courses:
- Math 114A Precalculus A: Algebra
- Math 114B Precalculus B: Trigonometry
- Math 231 Calculus I
Cytotechnology majors can consult with their academic advisors to learn how to satisfy their COR 3 requirement.
Relevant tests
Some graduate programs in clinical research require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for admission, but individual programs vary widely. Therefore, check with individual schools about any required tests for admission.