Reviewed: 01 February 2010 

Cytotechnology Training Program

The BC Cancer Agency (BCCA) School of Cytotechnology is accredited by the Conjoint Committee of the Canadian Medical Association of which the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is a member. Upon successful completion of all program components, students are eligible to write the CSMLS certification examination. The exams are offered in February, June and October of each year.

Extensive clinical training at the BC Cancer Agency involves all aspects of Cytotechnology. Although emphasizing cytology specimen interpretation, the program includes basic laboratory sciences and skills, including laboratory organization, quality control and safety.

Academic studies/training commence at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver in July of each year. A maximum of 4 students are accepted per class. The training period is 23 months in length. Training is conducted on a full-time intensive schedule at the BC Cancer Agency and includes two weeks at St. Paul's Hospital cytology laboratory in Vancouver and 2 days at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). During the fall and spring semester of the first year of studies, training includes attendance at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) for selected courses.  Students who have not already completed an approved Anatomy and Physiology course will also be required to take an A&P distance learning course.

The training program consists of the following learning modules:

Requirements

• The minimum educational requirement is successful completion of first year university courses in Math, Biology, English and one other Science (preferably Chemistry) within the past five years OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Successful completion (minimum mark of 60%) of an approved Anatomy & Physiology course (otherwise the student will be required to complete a distance learning course upon acceptance to the program)
• A genuine interest in patient care
• A high standard of personal ethics and integrity
• Ability to concentrate for an extended period of time

Fees

• Tuition and fees for courses completed at BCIT
• Tuition and fees for a distance course in Anatomy and Physiology (if applicable)
• Required textbooks
• Trainee membership in the CSMLS
• Certification examination

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist in cytology laboratories both in Canada and throughout the world. Cytology laboratories are found in Cancer Treatment or Screening Centers, larger hospitals and in some provinces as privately run enterprises. Employment by BC Cancer Agency is not guaranteed upon completion of the training program. However, many graduates do obtain a position in our laboratory. Many graduates take advantage of their recent training to write the American Cytology Certification Examination.

Application Process

To be considered, please send a letter of application with a detailed resume and transcripts of your grades to date. Official transcripts are preferred but photocopies are acceptable. Short-listed candidates must provide official transcripts. Applications not accompanied by transcripts will not be considered.

Applications are due March 5, 2010 for the upcoming academic year to the following address:

BC Cancer Agency
School of Cytotechnology
600 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. V5Z 4E6
Fax: 604.629.2507

Applicants who completed prerequisite courses in a non-Canadian institution must have their transcripts translated for credit equivalency prior to applying. Please contact the ICES directly at the following address:

International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, B.C. V5G 3H2
Tel: 604.432.8800
Toll Free: 1.866.434.9197
Fax: 604.435.7033
E-mail: icesinfo@bcit.ca
Website: www.bcit.ca/ices

For more information about the Cytotechnology Training Program, please call 604.877.6000 extension 4901 or email mkurlak@bccancer.bc.ca.

For more information about cytology:

Cytology Stuff

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)