Cytotechnology

Diploma
Cytotechnology

Program Overview

Note: Delivery of this program is suspended for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.

Cytotechnology is the microscopic study of cells for disease, and cytotechnologists are its trained practitioners. They are front-line investigators who use their skills to help health care teams solve complex puzzles of disease and illness.

International applicants are not currently considered for admission to this program.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's nationally accredited two-year Cytotechnology diploma program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning. You'll develop the knowledge and skill necessary to diagnose disease by identifying alterations in cell morphology (forms).

Your studies will focus on:

  • introductory anatomy, physiology and molecular biology
  • gynecologic, respiratory and aspiration cytopathology
  • hematology
  • immunology

First-year classroom learning is augmented by lab work, where you will learn to perform basic procedures and begin developing your detection skills. During your 46 weeks of clinical experience, you will participate in six separate practicums, each focused on building your knowledge and skills in specific areas and techniques.

Diploma to Degree

Diploma graduates are eligible to take the Bachelor of Applied Management degree right here at Saskatchewan Polytechnic with only two years of additional study. Remote classes and part-time options are available.

Use your Cytotechnolgy diploma to ladder into a degree program at Athabasca University (Alberta). A degree is usually required if you are interested in moving into management or teaching positions.

How does it fit?

Cytotechnologists are natural scientists - people who are curious about the human body and enjoy using microscopes to explore its inner workings. Cytotechnology is a profession that demands a high degree of accuracy, strong decision-making skills and the ability to take responsibility for your work.

Learning Environment

Each year four students are accepted to this program. Students will experience a mix of traditional lectures, practical labs and clinical practicums increasing in length as the program progresses.

For this program, there is a heavy workload with 15 - 20 hours/week of homework. Classes are Monday - Friday with variable hours between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Clinical practicum hours will coincide with health care hours. Clinical practicum hours can start as early as 7 a.m.

Lectures and Practical labs: Saskatoon

Clinical Practicum Experience

  • One week in Saskatoon
  • 45 weeks in Regina

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Graduates certified by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science can work anywhere in Canada. Most cytotechnologists work in hospital or private clinical laboratories in large urban centres.

Day-to-day responsibilities generally include preparing slides for microscopic examination; evaluating cells for the presence of cancer, precancerous changes or infection and providing interpretations to pathologists. Your interests could also take you in a different direction - to a career in education or sales, for example.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Cytotechnologist I/IIMedical Laboratory Technologists (3211)$62,400 - $85,300
Cytotechnologist Working SupervisorMedical Laboratory Technologists (3211)$62,400 - $85,300

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September
Length: 86 weeks: 

Year 1 - 41 weeks; Year 2 - 45 weeks

Locations

  • Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • Grade 12 with English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Foundations of Math 30 or
    Pre-Calculus 30*, Physical Science 20*, Chemistry 30 and Biology 30
  • Minimum of 70% in Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30 and each science
  • English Language Requirement (see Program-Specific ELP Requirements section)

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics and physics requirements also accepted:

  • Minimum of 70% in Math B30
  • Minimum of 70% in Physics 20

Note

  • Physics 30 will not be substituted for Physical Science 20 or Physics 20.
  • Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission into the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records and meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic immunization requirements prior to entry into clinical practicum.
  • You must attend an informational meeting with program personnel.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing prior to start of clinical practicums as directed by the program. N95 respirator mask testing is valid for two (2) years from the date of completion. Retesting may be required during your studies. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
  • Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility. Register for WHMIS.
  • Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) Object Moving certification or Safe Moving and Repositioning Techniques (SMART®) certification upon admission to the program. TLR® or SMART® certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of completion. Recertification may be required during your studies. The cost of TLR® or SMART® certification is your responsibility. Register for TLR.

Alternative Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.



ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 250 Arithmetic
  • 252 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
  • 256 Reading
  • 250 Writing
  • 5 Writeplacer

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2020/21 Academic Year

Year 2 only - $10,045

Additional program costs that students are responsible for include:

  • Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
    • approx. $75
  • Immunizations
    • no cost if immunizations are completed with Sask Polytech health nurse.
    • completed outside of Saskatchewan Polytechnic range from $90 to $120 for Hepatitis B series
  • Mask FIT Testing – both required
    • N95 - approx. $75 to $125
    • Mask Fit testing is recommended to be updated annually, however, it is mandatory to be updated every two years. If expiry date occurs during programming student must re-submit proof of testing to the program. Cost of re-testing is the student's responsibility.
  • WHMIS 2015 - Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification
    • Approx. $35

Year 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
APHY 191
Anatomy and Physiology 1
3
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You will explore the structure and function of organs and systems in the normal human body. Your studies will focus on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 42.0
Equivalent Course(s): APHY 162
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
APHY 282
Anatomy and Physiology 2
3
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Building on the knowledge gained in APHY 191 (Anatomy and Physiology 1), you will continue your study of the structure and function of the normal human body. Your studies will focus on the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 38.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 191
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning
BIOL 181
Molecular Biology
1
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You will study the principles of molecular biology techniques and explain the practical applications of this technology as it would apply in a diagnostic laboratory. The course content includes DNA/RNA isolation, hybridization, Polymerase Chain Reaction and restriction enzyme analysis.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 22.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
CLIN 292
Clinical Molecular Biology
2
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You will participate in a supervised clinical experience. Upon successfully completing this experience, you will be able to perform molecular diagnostic techniques to identify nucleic acid sequences.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 36.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 282, BIOL 181, CHEM 184, CHEM 288, CLIN 291, ETHC 185, ETHC 280, HEMA 283, HEMA 188, HEMA 189, HSTC 187, MICR 189, PATH 181, QC 193, QC 194, TRFS 182 or SIMU 282
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
CYTO 180
Gynecologic Cytology Theory 1
3
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You will study the cytomorphology of the female genital tract in the absence of pathology. This includes the responses of the female genital tract to the endocrine system, as well as inflammatory reactions and microorganisms found in cytologic specimens.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 50.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, HSTC 184(concurrent)
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
CYTO 181
Gynecologic Cytology Lab 1
4
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Building on the theory learned in Gynecologic Cytology Theory 1 (CYTO 180), you will develop the skills needed to recognize normal states in gynecologic specimens. This includes cytohormonal patterns and inflammatory agents.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 57.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, CYTO 180(concurrent)
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online
CYTO 182
Respiratory Cytology 1
4
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You will develop an understanding of the anatomy, histology and normal cytology of the lung. You will study the cytologic features associated with benign conditions, fungal diseases and viral infections in sputum, bronchial brush, bronchial wash, bronchial alveolar lavage and fine needle aspiration specimens. You will also develop detection skills in recognizing the elements studied.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 56.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, HSTC 184(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CYTO 184
Aspiration Cytology 1
5
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Your studies will focus on the embryology, anatomy, histology and cytology of the breast and thyroid gland. The pathology of each site will be related to histologic and cytologic features. You will study the principles of immunocytochemistry in relation to differential diagnoses. Your laboratory sessions will complement the theory and will focus on identifying pathologic states.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 68.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, HSTC 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CYTO 280
Gynecologic Cytology Theory 2
4
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Building on the theory learned in Gynecologic Cytology Theory 1 (CYTO 180) you will study the cytomorphology of the female genital tract in pathologic states. This includes both benign and malignant lesions, as well as reactions to therapy.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 53.0
Prerequisites(s): CYTO 180
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
CYTO 281
Gynecologic Cytology Lab 2
6
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Building on the theory learned in Gynecologic Cytology Theory 2 (CYTO 280), you will develop the skills needed to recognize pathologic states in gynecological cytology. The early detection of asymptomatic cancer will be emphasized.
Credit Units: 6
Course Hours: 83.0
Prerequisites(s): CYTO 181, CYTO 280(concurrent)
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online
CYTO 282
Respiratory Cytology 2
4
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Building on the knowledge acquired in Respiratory Cytology 1 (CYTO 182) you will develop an understanding of the pathology of the lung. You will review the cytologic features of lung cancer in sputum, bronchial brush, bronchial wash and fine needle aspiration specimens. Your laboratory sessions will complement the theory and will focus on recognizing and differentiating malignant tumours of the lung. You will also develop detection skills in recognizing the elements studied.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): CYTO 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CYTO 283
Aspiration Cytology 2
4
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You will study embryology, anatomy, histology and cytology of the lymph nodes, salivary glands, head and neck lesions, and other less common organs and systems. The pathology of each site will be related to histologic and cytologic features. You will study the principles of immunocytochemistry in relation to differential diagnoses. Your laboratory sessions will complement the theory and will focus on identifying pathologic states.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 57.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, HSTC 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CYTO 286
Body Fluid Analysis
5
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You will develop an understanding of the anatomy, histology and cytology of the urinary tract, body cavities and central nervous system. You will study cytologic features associated with various pathologic states in fluid and aspirated specimens. Your laboratory sessions will complement the theory and will focus on recognizing normal and pathologic states. You will also develop detection skills in recognizing the elements studied.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 75.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, HSTC 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
CYTO 287
Gastrointestinal Cytology
4
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Your studies will focus on the anatomy, histology and cytology of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs. The pathology of each site will be related to histologic and cytologic features. You will learn principles of ancillary studies in relation to differential diagnoses. Your laboratory sessions will complement the theory and will focus on identifying malignant pathologic states.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 65.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 281, HSTC 184
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
ETHC 185
Professional Practices 1
3
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You will receive an introduction to health care and health care delivery systems. You will study the legal and ethical issues faced by health care professionals. You will discuss interpersonal and employability skills required in health care professions with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and stress management. You will learn methods to deal with grief and loss, in addition to skills and techniques for critical thinking and conflict management.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 42.0
Equivalent Course(s): HUMR 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
ETHC 280
Professional Practices 2
2
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You will study health care organizational behaviour and the skills required for leadership/management roles. You will discuss co-operative work relationships, conflict resolution, budgeting, strategic planning, the collective bargaining process and workload measurements. You will develop workplace documents and demonstrate job search techniques.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning
HEMA 191
Fundamental Hemopathology
2
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You will be introduced to the pathophysiology of blood diseases. You will study the impact of disease on leukocytes and the role of the laboratory in diagnosis and treatment.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
HSTC 184
Microanatomy
2
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You will recognize functional cells and tissue arrangements. You will also study the micro-anatomical structure of the body's major organs.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 35.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, APHY 282(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
HSTC 185
Histotechnology 1
3
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You will be introduced to the principles and practices of preparing clinical specimens for histological examination (including fixation, decalcification processing, embedding and microtomy).
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): (PROC 180 or PROC 182), APHY 282(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
HSTC 187
Histotechnology 2
3
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You will discuss the principles and practices used in a laboratory and prepare clinical histology specimens for demonstrating cellular and non-cellular elements.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): HSTC 184, HSTC 185
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online
IMMU 183
Immunology
3
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In this course you will explore the immune system including both the innate and acquired defense mechanisms of the human body. You will learn the laboratory application of antigen-antibody reactions and examine the involvement of the immune system in various disorders.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): INFC 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
INFC 180
Infection Control and Safety
2
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You will learn the transmission of microorganisms and blood-borne pathogens as well as how to protect yourself and others when working with patients and patient samples.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
MTER 180
Medical Terminology
1
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You will learn to use the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn to use medical abbreviations.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): MED 161
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning, Web Assisted Delivery Group
PATH 185
Introductory Cytopathology 1
1
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You will discuss general cytology practices including sampling techniques, cytologic stains and the evolution of cytology. You will learn about quality control and quality assurance in the medical laboratory. You will develop a basic knowledge of the cell, the cell cycle, chromosomes and their relationship to cancer.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 20.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
PATH 280
Introductory Cytopathology 2
1
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You will develop a basic knowledge of the cell's response to injury, inflammation and repair. You will also learn about cell life and death. You will also be introduced to normal and abnormal cytomorphology.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 20.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 185
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
PATH 281
Introductory Cytopathology 3
1
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You will develop a basic knowledge of disease processes as a foundation for the study of cytology. You will learn the nature and cause of disease with an emphasis on neoplasia.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 17.0
Prerequisites(s): PATH 280
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
PROC 182
Cytology Lab Procedures
4
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You will learn the theory and practice required to perform basic procedures in a laboratory. These include laboratory glassware, pipettes, use of balances, centrifuges and microscopes, and solution preparation with related calculations. Cytologic specimen preparation and staining will be emphasized.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 61.0
Prerequisites(s): INFC 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning
SIMU 282
Simulation Laboratory
3
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You will participate in a 48-hour simulation laboratory designed to reflect clinical setting expectations. You will microscopically evaluate known gynecological and non-gynecological specimens using appropriate terminology and scientific knowledge.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 48.0
Prerequisites(s): ETHC 280, ETHC 185, HSTC 187, HEMA 191, BIOL 181, CYTO 184, CYTO 281, CYTO 282, CYTO 283, CYTO 286, CYTO 287, IMMU 183
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online
Total semester credits: 83

Year 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
CLIN 287
Clinical Histotechnology
10
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You will participate in a supervised clinical experience. Upon successfully completing this experience, you will be able to perform processing, cutting and staining procedures in a routine clinical histotechnology laboratory.
Credit Units: 10
Course Hours: 144.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 282, BIOL 181, CHEM 184, CHEM 288, CLIN 291, ETHC 185, ETHC 280, HEMA 283, HEMA 188, HEMA 189, HSTC 187, MICR 189, PATH 181, QC 193, QC 194, TRFS 182 or SIMU 282
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
PRAC 291
Cytology Practicum 1
24
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You will participate in a practical experience in gynecological and non-gynecological cytology and cytopreparatory technique. This will include a comprehensive review of your theoretical knowledge through routine screening, written and slide exercises, case studies and examinations.
Credit Units: 24
Course Hours: 365.0
Prerequisites(s): SIMU 282
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
PRAC 292
Cytology Practicum 2
24
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You will participate in a practical experience in gynecological and non-gynecological cytology and cytopreparatory technique. This will include a comprehensive review of your theoretical knowledge through routine screening, written and slide exercises, case studies and examinations. You will maintain and build on the competencies achieved during Cytology Practicum 1 (PRAC 291).
Credit Units: 24
Course Hours: 365.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 291
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
PRAC 294
Cytology Practicum 3
24
Show course details
You will participate in a practical experience in gynecological and non-gynecological cytology and cytopreparatory technique. This will include a comprehensive review of your theoretical knowledge through routine screening, written and slide exercises, case studies and examinations. You will maintain and build on the competencies achieved during Cytology Practicum 1 (PRAC 291) and Cytology Practicum 2 (PRAC 292).
Credit Units: 24
Course Hours: 365.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 292
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
PRAC 295
Cytology Practicum 4
24
Show course details
You will participate in a practical experience in gynecological and non-gynecological cytology and cytopreparatory technique. This will include a comprehensive review of your theoretical knowledge through routine screening, written and slide exercises, case studies and examinations. You will maintain and build on the competencies achieved during Cytology Practicum 1 (PRAC 291), Cytology Practicum 2 (PRAC 292) and Cytology Practicum 3 (PRAC 294).
Credit Units: 24
Course Hours: 365.0
Prerequisites(s): PRAC 294
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum
Total semester credits: 106

Note: Labs, projects and practicums are used to actively involve you in the learning process and allow you to apply learned theory as you develop your skills.

Get Credit for What You Know

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science.
Graduates of this program is granted a maximum of 69 transfer credits into the Bachelor of Health Science.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Accreditation

Accreditation Canada/EQual Canada has accorded the Cytotechnology program full accredited status for a 6 year term.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Cytotechnology program is an accredited program. Program content is based on the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science competency profile, with topics added as appropriate for addressing local needs.

Graduates are eligible to write the national Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) exam, which allows you to work anywhere in Canada. You are also eligible for licensure with the Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT).

The cost of CSMLS national certification examination is the responsibility of the student. For more information, see www.csmls.org/About-Us/What-We-Do/Certification.aspx.

Additional Information

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