Cytotechnology

Cytotechnologists are skilled in examining human cellular material in search of abnormalities that are the warning signs of cancer. They perform a variety of diagnostic and research procedures in the cytology laboratory including basic cytologic examinations, staining and processing tissue specimens which have been removed by non-invasive techniques, surgery or fine needle aspiration. Advanced techniques include the use of the electron and immunofluorescent microscopy, cytogenetics and medical photography. The cytotechnologist is capable of developing a differential diagnosis based upon cellular evidence in conjunction with pertinent cognitive knowledge and other clinical data.

Special Admission Criteria
and Policies for Clinical Options

Two application procedures are required for students pursuing clinical year placement. Admission to the clinical science major is contingent upon admission to the University. However, admission to the University does not constitute admission to the clinical component. Refer to the section on admission requirements to the University. In addition, all Clinical Science applicants to the University must score 575 or above on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for an applicant for which English is a second language, regardless of subsequent instruction in English.

Clinical Component	Application Dates	Clinical Beginning
Cytotechnology	March 1-31	Summer Class
Medical Technology	October 1-31	Summer Class

Applications may be accepted after the deadlines if positions are available. Priority will be given to applications submitted by the deadline.

For all clinical training options, i.e. Cytotechnology and Medical Technology, Supplemental Admission Criteria apply.

Because clinical facilities in each of the options have a limited number of positions, a limited number of students are admitted to a given option. In addition, clinical positions may not be available to foreign student visa holders or students not proficient in English. For any clinical class there may be more qualified applicants than can be accommodated, thereby designating the program as “impacted”.

Applicants for clinical placement must have been fully admitted to the University and must have been in residence for two semesters prior to the beginning of the clinical component. Successful degree applicants must have completed all graduation requirements with the exception of clinical requirement.

From among the applicants for a Clinical Option, the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience (CCLE) will determine those applicants who are accepted to the clinical on the basis of the following Supplemental Admission Criteria:

1. Academic success as reflected by:

a) Grade point average in required “pre-clinical course work” (minimum 3.00 on a 4.00 scale).

b) desirable “pattern” of academic performance
(i.e., consistency and/or improvement);

c) completion of the General Education Requirements.

2. Evaluation by the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience of the student’s potential to succeed in the program and the profession (appearance, attitude, interest, enthusiasm, poise, motivation, expectations, career planning, maturity, social understanding and involvement, flexibility, and stability).

3. Physical, professional and emotional fitness for the demands of the job as verified by a physician and three letters of recommendation. At least one of these letters should validate relevant work experience and/or knowledge of the field. Accordingly, it is recommended that one be from an employer (if employed in a health related field) and the others from faculty teaching for the pre-clinical course work at CSU Dominguez Hills. Recommendations should address recent activities.

4. Completion of two semesters in residence prior to beginning the clinical training.

5. Clarity of expression (oral and written) and relevant extracurricular activity (e.g. active member or officer of a social club, Clinical Science Club, etc.) as revealed by an extemporaneous essay and in the application form.

6. Have no felony convictions.

7. Other factors that will be considered, but which will not guarantee selection are: prior qualified application, efforts to seek psycho-social balance in the program, and veteran status.

Applicants to the clinical who have repeated three or more designated pre-clinical classes may have their ranking reduced in the selection process. Repeating a single course more than once is discouraged.

The CCLE is composed of three university faculty and two adjunct faculty from each clinical facility. One or more oral interviews will be required on campus and/or at the clinical facilities.

The program director will notify the applicant of the admission decision in consultation with the Committee for Clinical Laboratory Experience (CCLE). Once an applicant has been admitted to the clinical year, the program director, in consultation with the officials of the affiliated program, determine to which affiliate the student will be placed. Student preference is considered as one factor in the decision. In order to retain admission status, students must communicate their intention to the program director, in writing, within 15 working days following notification of admission. Final placement assumes continued eligibility under supplementary and basic admission criteria. In some cases, the CCLE may require additional course work or performance levels prior to placement consideration. Failure to satisfy such requirements may disqualify the student from entering the clinical component.

Applicants not accepted into the clinical component may meet degree requirements in another major and complete a minor in clinical sciences that may lead to certification in the option. Alternate degree objectives should be determined after consultation with an advisor to avoid loss of credit or time.

CLINICAL OPTIONS