This major prepares students with the basic science background needed to meet admission requirements of clinical programs approved by the ASC or NAACLS. Cytology is the study of the structure and function of cells. Cytotechnologists prepare cellular samples for study under the microscope and assist in the diagnosis of disease by the examination of these samples. Cytotechnologists are trained clinical laboratory science professionals who work with pathologists to detect microscopic changes in body cells that may be important in the early diagnosis of cancer.

The first three years of the curriculum are at the university while the fourth year is completed through an accredited cytotechnology practicum. The university is affiliated with hospitals in Wisconsin and Michigan; however, students may apply to any accredited school in the United States. If students meet the hospital’s standards and are accepted, they register for the cytotechnology practicum courses at NMU and pursue a 12-month program under the direction of the hospital.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Clinical Laboratory Sciences department page.

Total Credits Required 126
Liberal Studies
30-40
Health Promotion Requirements 2
Required Courses in Major44
CLS 109 Introduction to Diagnostic Sciences 1
CLS 190 Microscopy and Laboratory Techniques 1
CLS 200 Urine and Body Fluid Analysis 1
CLS 201 Clinical Hematology/Coagulation 3
CLS 204 Clinical Microbiology 2
CLS 213 Clinical Immunology and Serology 1
CLS 250C Clinical Practice 2
CLS 420 Clinical Educational Practices 1
CLS 480 Cytology Orientation 1
CLS 481 Tissue Cytology I 8
CLS 482 Tissue Cytology II 8
CLS 483 Tissue Cytology III 8
CLS 484 Applied Clinical Practicum 5
CLS 485 Advanced Cytology Techniques 2

Other Required Courses54
BI 111 Introductory Biology: Principles [Div II] 4
BI 201 Human Anatomy 3
BI 206 Human Genetics 3
BI 218 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology 4
BI 406 Advanced Cell Biology 4
BI 426 Human Histology 4
CH 111 General Chemistry I [Div II] 5
CH 112 General Chemistry II [Div II] 5
CH 220 Introduction to Organic Chemistry 5
MA 171 Introduction to Probability and Statistics [Div V] *4
Biology Electives2-5
Choose from the following:
BI 202 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
BI 405 Immunology (3 cr.)
BI 416 Experimental Cytogenetics (2 - 3 cr.)
BI 423 Parasitology (3 cr.)
Electives8-11
Choose from the following:
Any mathematics course 100 level or above excluding MA 171
Any physics course 200 level or above
CH 450 Biochemistry I (4 cr.)
HL 101 Medical Terminology for Health Educators (1 cr.)
CIS 110 Principles of Computer Information Systems (4 cr.) [Div V] or
    IS electives [V] (1-4 cr.)
Any CLS course (4 cr.)
* MA 171 has a prerequisite of MA 103 or MA 104 or MA 105 or equivalent.