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The School of Health Professions offers degree and certificate programs that are listed below. Students must be accepted into one of these programs before entering the School of Health Professions. If students desire to change programs, they must withdraw from the School of Health Professions and re-apply.

See admission criteria for more information on each program.

Graduate Degrees

• Diagnostic Cytology, Tracks in Entry-Level and Advanced
• Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics, Emphases in Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics and Molecular Genetics and Genomics
• Medical Dosimetry
• Radiologic Sciences, Emphases in Administrative Leadership, Educational Leadership and Medical Imaging Informatics

Undergraduate Degrees

Radiologic Sciences Programs

The Radiologic Sciences Programs do not have a common core curriculum. Refer to each program section for specific course listings.

• Diagnostic Imaging
  • Emphases in Advanced Modalities: Computed Tomography, Computed Tomography with Vascular Interventional and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Emphases in Education and Management
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Medical Dosimetry
• Radiation Therapy

Laboratory Sciences Programs

The Laboratory Sciences programs admit students at the Junior- or Senior-level. Students entering at the Junior-level complete a two-year curriculum consisting of laboratory and health science courses to build their foundation, and program-specific courses to develop expertise in their program. Students entering at the Senior-level have a one-year curriculum consisting of senior-year program-specific courses.

Complete curricula are listed in each program section.

• Cytogenetic Technology
• Histotechnology
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Molecular Genetic Technology

The Master of Science in Diagnostic Cytology program is poised to transform cytology education nationally. While aligned with CAAHEP¡¯s new accreditation standards, the program introduces a forward-thinking, organ-system, competency-based curriculum recognized as best practice in medical education. To address workforce gaps and evolving clinical needs, the curriculum incorporates overlapping Pathology Competencies for Medical Education (PCME) and essential elements of Health Systems Science, preparing graduates for patient-facing roles in modern healthcare.

Degree Offered

Master of Science in Diagnostic Cytology

Program Administration

Program Director   Catherine Bammert, Ph.D.
Associate Program Director   Katie Jervis, Dr.P.H.
Executive Advisor   Wendong Yu, M.D., Ph.D.

Program Information

The Diagnostic Cytology Program will offer two tracks to serve the greatest depth and breadth of learners.

The Entry-Level Track is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor¡¯s degree in biology, related science, or a health science field but lack knowledge or experience in cytology. Students in this track will be enrolled full-time, completing 44 semester credit hours over 15 months. The curriculum for the Entry-Level Track will be delivered in a face-to-face format on the School of Health Professions campus in Houston, TX. Supervised clinical educational experiences, including clinical rotations, will occur at approved clinical affiliate sites.

The Advanced Track is designed for ASCP-certified cytologists who hold a bachelor¡¯s degree, graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited cytology program in the United States, and are ASCP-certified practicing cytologists. Many practicing cytologists, especially those working in reference labs, have limited exposure to non-gynecological cytology and molecular diagnostics since initial training. To address this gap, the Advanced-Level Track emphasizes non-gyn cytology, ancillary testing, and advanced topics such as molecular cytopathology, digital pathology, and clinical lab management to support career advancement. This part-time, hyflex/hybrid program totals 30 credit hours..  Students may request an increased credit load with Program Director approval.

Mission

The Program in Diagnostic Cytology, in concert with the mission and vision of UT MD Anderson, is committed to the education of technically and academically competent graduates prepared to meet the immediate and future needs of the cytology profession.

Goals

Upon completion of UT MD Anderson Cancer Center¡¯s Master of Science in Diagnostic Cytology, graduates will be able to perform the following:

1. Evaluate gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and fine needle aspiration samples to determine specimen adequacy and identify cellular changes associated with the spectrum of disease  (i.e. normal, inflammatory, infectious, reactive, treatment changes, pre-malignant and malignant changes). (C3, P3)
2. Proficiently screen a minimum average of 7 cervicovaginal slides per hour (or full-slide equivalents per hour when performing computer-assisted reviews). (C3, P3)
3. Demonstrate the ability to appropriately triage specimens for downstream ancillary testing, including immunohistochemical staining, immunocytochemical staining, special staining, molecular genetic testing, flow cytometric analysis, microbiology studies, cytogenetic studies, renal biopsies. (C3, P3)
4. Proficiently perform the rapid on-site adequacy evaluations (ROSE) on fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens and touch preparations. (P3)
5. Utilize the microscope, computer-assisted screening systems and digital imaging technologies (telecytology / telepathology / WSI) to systematically evaluate cytology samples and render an accurate diagnosis. (C3, P3)
6. Under the supervision of a pathologist, demonstrate the ability to perform the gross examination of small biopsy specimens (Level I & II) and appropriately triage the sample for tissue processing. (C3, P3)
7. Apply quality control and quality assurance practices to reduce errors, improve processes, ensure the quality and timeliness of care, and contain healthcare costs. (C3)
8. Utilize Health Information Systems (i.e. Electronic Health Record, Laboratory Information System) to view patient review patient histories, enter results, appropriately triage and sign out cases. (C3)
9. Critically review and evaluate medical literature to determine its reliability, clinical utility and relevance to clinical cytopathology practices and patient care. (C3)
10. Defend the importance of professionalism and complying with ethical codes of conduct in educational endeavors, clinical practice and scholarly activities. (A2)
11.  Defend the value of using essential soft skills (communication, teamwork, creativity, adaptability, problem-solving, work ethic, critical thinking and conflict management) to optimize and improve the performance of the healthcare team. (A3)
12. Correlate cytomorphology with knowledge in Molecular Pathology, Genomics and Cytogenetics to accurately diagnose diseases and identify targeted immunotherapy &/or chemotherapy options to optimize patient care. (C3)
13. Apply knowledge regarding how the pathology of an organ system affects the organ itself, multiple organ systems and the overall function of the patient in the following systems (C3): hematopatholgy, respiratory system, head & neck, oral cavity, salivary glands, GI tract, pancreas, kidney, urinary tract, male reproductive system, female reproductive tract, breast, endocrine system, CNS, body cavities.
14.  Apply knowledge of disease mechanisms with clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory test results and cytomorphology to facilitate the diagnosis and clinical management of the patient (C3).
15.  Defend the value of systems thinking and the role that teams play in facilitating patient safety and patient care. (A2)
16.  Compare and contrast the determinants of health and describe pathology-related diseases often associated with each. (C3)
17.  Describe how the determinants of health and health inequity adversely impact health outcomes for patients and populations. (C3)
18.  Discuss the relationship between plain language and health literacy. (C2)
19.  Discuss how health care professionals can advocate for patients to improve outcomes. (C2)

Goals 1-11 fulfill CAAHEP¡¯s Standards and Guidelines required for the accreditation of educational cytology programs. Goals 12-14 reflect pathology competencies in medical education that overlap with the scope of practice of diagnostic cytology practitioners. Goals 15-19 correlate with the 3^rd pillar of medical education, Health Systems Science, which will ensure that diagnostic cytology practitioners ¡°gain an understanding of the role that pathology plays in ensuring safe, equitable, timely and efficient care¡±.

Student Learning Outcomes

Fulfillment of the program¡¯s mission will be assessed by the degree to which the program achieves the following goals:

Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will meet and /or exceed entry-level competencies in cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, as defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs CAAHEP and the Cytology Program¡¯s Review Committee (CPRC).
• Students will evaluate conventional and liquid-based Gyn and Non-gyn specimens and identify normal, benign, pre-malignant and malignant cellular changes as well as infectious agents.
• Students will perform specialized automated, semi-automated and manual laboratory techniques.
• Students will demonstrate cytopreparatory skills, including specimen identification, specimen handling / triage, quality control and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and staining.

Goal 2: Students will display critical thinking skills.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will correlate clinical laboratory testing data with potential disease states.
• Students will consider the differential diagnoses for each case and will render an accurate diagnosis.
• Students will assess the results of quality assurance measures and implement appropriate measures to ensure accuracy.

Goal 3: Students will demonstrate professionalism.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will display integrity and professional conduct at all times.
• Students will participate in continuing education initiatives and will cultivate an appreciation for lifelong learning.
• Students will understand and embrace cultural diversity and will develop a strong sense of duty to the healthcare team and the patients they serve.

Goal 4: The program will provide clinical and research laboratories with entry- level cytologists.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will be valued by the laboratories that employ them.
• Graduates will be satisfied with the didactic, practical and clinical learning experiences provided by the program.
• The program will produce cytologists who possess the knowledge to pass the ASCP Board of Certification exam.
• Program graduates will be employed as cytologists.

Goal 5: Describe how the student learning outcomes for the program will be assessed.
Per SACSCOC and CAAHEP requirements, both tracks of the MS in Diagnostic Cytology will undergo systematic internal and external evaluations, including:

• Student Learning Outcomes Analyses via the Weave Platform: Faculty will define student learning outcomes, assess achievement, and implement improvements. Reports updated annually in Fall and reviewed by academic leadership.
• Explorance? Blue Course Evaluations: Students provide feedback on course content and instruction each semester. Metrics below 3.0/5 require documented improvement strategies.
• CAAHEP Outcomes Benchmarks, including:   Credentialing exam pass rate ¡Ý80%, Graduation rate ¡Ý80%, Retention/attrition ¡Ý80%, Graduate & employer satisfaction survey return ¡Ý50%, Job placement ¡Ý75%.
• CPRC Annual Report: Faculty submit yearly report demonstrating compliance with CAAHEP standards and outcomes.

Internal and external tools form a comprehensive assessment plan. Program outcomes will be compiled annually for review and curriculum improvement during the Advisory Board meeting.

Nonacademic Requirements

Refer to the Nonacademic Technical Standards section of this catalog.