Master of Science Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Cytotechnologists are licensed laboratory professionals who possess strong attention to detail and a passion for solving puzzles. But more than either of those things, they share a desire to improve the health of patients – many of whom they may never even see. Before turning on a microscope, cytotechnologists begin reviewing a patient’s history to see if there are areas where they should focus their attention. Next, they’ll look at a slide of a cellular specimen under the microscope attempting to spot any cellular changes and making diagnoses that range from benign/normal, to infections, precancerous lesions, and cancer.

To help aid in a definitive diagnosis, the cytotechnologist may perform and interpret additional diagnostic techniques, enabling them to go beyond the cellular level and explore what is happening at the molecular level (this is molecular cytology). Following this process, they assemble all the “pieces of the puzzle” and arrive at a diagnosis that often serves as the basis for how the patient will be treated.