FAQ

What is a Medical Technologist?

Also known as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and/or Medical Laboratory Scientist. Medical Technologists perform and supervise clinical laboratory testing in the general and specialized areas of clinical biochemistry, hematology, medical microbiology, immunohematology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, serology and clinical microscopy. Data collected is correlated with pathophysiology and used by health professionals in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Medical Technologists review and conduct research activities.

What is a Cytotechnologist?

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 cellular analysis using specialized microscopy, immunofluorescent, and molecular and cytogenetic markers. The Cytotechnologist is capable of developing a differential diagnosis based upon cellular evidence in conjunction with pertinent cognitive knowledge and other clinical data and issues the final report on specimens that contain normal cells. When abnormal cells are present, the cytotechnologist teams with a pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis.

Medical Technology Option

Who is the program designed for?
  • Individuals who are interested in a career as a medical technologist.
  • Individuals who wish to take the national certification examination and the licensure examination of the California State Department of Health.
Why CSUDH?
  • One of the few Clinical Sciences curricula in California.
  • Accredited through the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
  • Nationally recognized allied health faculty
  • State-of-the-art technology and instrumentation via clinical affiliates.
  • Excellent rotating clinical training sites available.
  • Outstanding pass rate of over 90% on national certifying exams and state licensure
  • Flexible scheduling.
  • Small class size.
  • Excellent professional and clinical skills development opportunities.
  • Affordable tuition.
Will the program improve my skills and abilities to meet recognized standards?

CSUDH’s program is designed to develop the skills and abilities of the medical technologist the following key areas:

  • Knowledge of testing procedures and methodologies in each area of the laboratory.
  • Proficiency and accuracy of testing procedures in each area of the laboratory.
  • Enrichment of intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities.
  • Promotion of excellence in professional practice and interdisciplinary teamwork.
  • Enhancement of communication skills, both orally and written.
  • Strengthening of behavioral and social attributes, emphasizing ethical standards of integrity, compassion, and concern for others.
How will this benefit my career?
  • Medical Technologists usually find positions in a variety of settings such as university medical centers, acute care facilities, private clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, research facilities, colleges and universities, government and in industry.

Cytotechnology Option

Who is the program designed for?
  • Individuals who are interested in a career as a Cytotechnologist.
  • Individuals who wish to take the national certification examination and licensure of the California State Department of Health.
Why CSUDH?
  • One of the few Clinical Sciences curricula in California.
  • Accredited through the Greater Los Angeles Consortium by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
  • Nationally recognized allied health faculty members
  • State-of-the-art technology via clinical affiliates
  • Excellent rotating clinical training sites available
  • Outstanding pass rate of over 95% on national certifying exams
  • Excellent professional and clinical skills development opportunities.
Will the program improve my skills and abilities to meet recognized standards?

CSUDH’s program is designed to enhance the skills and abilities of the cytotechnologist in the following key areas:

  • Knowledge or testing procedures selective to human cellular materials in search of abnormalities.
  • Proficiency on performing a variety of diagnostic and research procedures.
  • Acquisition of advanced techniques used in laboratories.
  • Enhanced capabilities to develop differential diagnoses.
  • Promotion of excellence in professional practice and interdisciplinary teamwork.
  • Strengthening of behavioral and social attributes, emphasizing ethical standards of integrity, compassion, and concern for others.
How will this benefit my career?

Cytotechnologists usually find positions in a variety of setting such as university medical centers, reference laboratory facilities, hospitals, research facilities, government, and in industry.