Cytologists are responsible for the study and evaluation of human cells sampled from all organs and body fluids. Professionals in this field have the skills to detect and interpret features representative of malignant and non-malignant diseases, including cancer, infectious disease, and autoimmune disorders. In addition to being experts in the microscopic evaluation of cytological specimens, cytologists also select and perform molecular and immunologic tests necessary for development of personalized patient care.

The goal of the MS in Cytology program is to prepare Cytologists who are competent in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains to enter the profession. 

On a curtailed search for universities that offer a graduate study in Cytology, Thomas Jefferson University dominated the short list. In addition to being an accredited program, the professors are well accomplished and experienced. 

Stedisha Wright Class of 2020

Program Options

  • 3+2 BS/MS Dual Degree (East Falls): Undergraduate students in the Health Sciences Pre-MLSB track at Jefferson’s East Falls Campus complete three years on-site before transferring to the Center City Campus for years four and five to finish the BS in Health Sciences (Cytology concentration) and transition directly into the professional phase of the MS in Cytology program.
  • 1-Year MS: Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, this intensive one-year (3 consecutive semesters) MS in Cytology program prepares graduates for advanced roles in diagnostic cytopathology. 
  • 2-Year MS: Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, this comprehensive two-year (4 semesters) MS in Cytology program is ideal for students seeking a more traditional pace that prepares graduates for advanced roles in diagnostic cytopathology.

Curriculum

The curriculum for Cytology varies based on the program option you choose.

Program Curriculum Options

Cytology Outcomes Summary

Graduated Cohort 2021 2022 2023 Avg.
External Certification Pass Rate 100% 100% 100% 100%
External Certification First Attempt Only  
 100% 80% 67% 82.3%
Graduation Rate 100% 83.3% 100% 94.4%
Attrition Rate 0% 16.7% 0% 5.6%
Graduate Placement Rate 100% 100% 100% 100%

This information is displayed in accordance with requirements set by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the accrediting body of the Cytology program.

Accreditation

Thomas Jefferson University's Cytology Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon the recommendation of the Cytology Programs Review Committee (CPRC), which promotes and advances the quality of educational programs for cytology.

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th Street N., #7709
Seminole, FL 33775

727-210-2350  |  www.caahep.org

Note: As of May 2025 to comply with the updated terminology of the professional standards and guidelines, the title of the program in Cytotechnology & Cell Sciences name has been changed to the program in Cytology. In addition to the program name change, the program language includes updates that now read "Cytologists" and "Cytology" in place of "Cytotechnologists" and "Cytotechnology." These updates reflect compliance with current terminology only and do not correlate with any specific changes to program degree options or curriculum. 

 

Faculty