Daemen University, in partnership with Buffalo's Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, offers this progressive 4+1 B.S./M.S. degree program.
Learn how to detect cancer and other diseases through the microscopic interpretation of cells.
Program Benefits
- Unique curriculum allows students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology linked to a master’s degree in cytology in just five years.
- Students complete their biology degree at Daemen and then participate in specialized coursework at Roswell in cytology for 12 months.
- At the end of this five-year program, students are eligible to take the national certification exam given by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
- Students work closely alongside Daemen faculty to design and complete original research focusing on molecular biology, immunology, and histology in preparation for coursework at Roswell.
- Students gain knowledge of contemporary procedures and technologies, including human papillomavirus testing, fluorescence-in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and cell search assays.
- Students are encouraged to volunteer for community activities that enhance professional visibility while also providing needed services.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center specializes in cancer care and research and is one of the first National Cancer Institutes designated a “Comprehensive Cancer Center” since 1974. The center helps diagnose and treat those with cancer, while also helping patients live healthy lives after treatment.
Career Outlook
Cytologists work in medical centers, hospital or private laboratories, universities and other medical settings. Graduates can also work in supervisory, research and teaching positions.
Program Specifics
Cytology is a specialty within the spectrum of medical care which involves the microscopic interpretation of cells to detect cancer, as well as other abnormalities.
The cytologist must possess the technical skills for a wide variety of cytologic laboratory specimen preparations including a basic knowledge of contemporary procedures and technologies applicable to the practice of cytology, which includes but is not limited to human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, fluorescence-in-situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemistry and cell search assays. In addition, continuing demand for support for various technological advances in the field of pathology requires continuing education and assessment of the cytology professional.