Academic Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate a capacity for academic achievement:
- A minimum of a baccalaureate level degree from an accredited college or university.
- Overall GPA of 3.0 (4.0 = A) and a 3.0 minimum GPA in all science and mathematics courses.
- Completed 28 semester hours or 42 quarter hours of Biology and Chemistry.
- Strongly recommended courses include but are not limited to:
- General Biology.
- Anatomy and Physiology.
- Cell Biology.
- Histology.
- Immunology.
- Microbiology.
- Molecular Biology.
- 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours of Mathematics.
- Foreign applicants must have permanent resident status.
The Cleveland Clinic School of Cytology does not:
- Accept transfer credits from other cytology programs.
- Allow completion of requirements through experiential learning.
- Offer advanced placement courses for students prior to receipt of a baccalaureate degree.
Admissions Procedure
- Each applicant must submit the following information/materials as instructed before any consideration of the application will be given:
- Completed application form (Deadline: March 15)
- Transcript evaluation
- Transcripts from all institutions attended
- Résumé
- 3 letters of recommendation and 3 reference evaluation forms
- If applicable, foreign credential evaluation and TOEFL scores (request these from the Program Director)
- Incomplete applications cannot be considered and applicants will be notified in writing of their ineligibility.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant and not this program to monitor the application process.
- Ineligible applicants may have their applications considered for the following year by informing this program of their intent in writing by June 30 and completing an application by the following year's deadline.
- Prospective students with complete applications who meet the academic eligibility requirements of this program will be contacted by mail to schedule a personal interview at the Cleveland Clinic. Travel arrangements and all travel expenses are the responsibility of the student.
- All interviews are scheduled and completed by April 30.
- Once all interviews are complete, students accepted into the program will be notified in writing by May 15.
- Prospective students who are not selected will be notified in writing by May 15.
- Applicants who elect to remain in the applicant pool for one additional year must notify the program director in writing by June 30 and may waive a second personal interview if they so desire.
Desirable Applicant Attributes
- Visual acuity and perception with respect to depth and color.
- Ability to use microscopes to distinguish the characteristics of cells in health and disease as well as other microscopic entities related to cytologic diagnosis.
- Logical thought processes facilitating problem solving.
- Ability to communicate, exchange accurate information and follow instruction.
- Transfer of knowledge and laboratory skills to problems other than those set in the course of instruction, but that lend themselves to similar types of solutions.
- Dependability and a sense of responsibility.
- Courtesy and consideration in personal relationships.
- Motivation that is more internally than externally stimulated.
- Integrity.
- Maturity.
- Ability to react appropriately and to maintain poise and control under stressful conditions.
- Ability to operate a microscope.
- Ability to perform work in a stationary position for extended periods.
Equal Opportunity
Non-Discrimination Policy
Cleveland Clinic is committed to providing a working and learning environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is the policy of Cleveland Clinic to ensure that the working and learning environment is free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, age, national origin, disability, military status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Cleveland Clinic prohibits any such discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.
Any participant in a Cleveland Clinic educational program, including any student, trainee or employee, who may have been subject to discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic is encouraged to make a report.
Reports of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression may be made to the Title IX Coordinator: TitleIX@ccf.org.
Reports of discrimination on the basis of a disability, may be made to the Section 504 Coordinator, Main Campus NA31.
Reports of discrimination on the basis of any other protected characteristic may be made to the program director.
In addition, Cleveland Clinic shall provide reasonable accommodations to any qualified student with a disability in order for the student to have equal access to their program. Students needing a reasonable accommodation in order to apply to or participate in the program should contact the program director as early as possible.
Diversity Statement
The Center for Health Sciences Education and Cleveland Clinic are committed to valuing all people through our organization, regardless of background or culture. A diverse and inclusive environment for students and staff and culturally appropriate care for our patients, are essential to fulfilling our vision to be the best place for care anywhere and the best place to work in healthcare. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Expenses
- There are no current application fees.
- The tuition fee for the program is $7,500.
- Half of this fee is payable prior to the start of the program with the remainder due at the end of the first quarter of the school year (September 30).
- Approximately $400 for text books.
- Supplies such as notebooks, shoes, etc.
- Medical insurance with hospitalization (required).
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance is provided to the students through Cleveland Clinic.
Living Expenses
Cleveland Clinic has no student housing facilities. The cost of room, board, and transportation are the responsibility of the student.
Job opportunities may be available for students enrolled in this program to help offset these expenses as long as they maintain the academic standards set by the school. If a student withdraws or is dismissed from the program, the School of Cytology, the Diagnostics Institute, or the Cleveland Clinic are not responsible for any student expenses incurred.
Program Operational Requirements
- Students accepted into the program are required to complete the following prior to beginning the program:
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Present evidence of:
- Positive Titers for Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps (MMR) and Varicella.
- Positive Titer for Hepatitis B immunity or waiver assuming risk of exposure.
- COVID-19 vaccination.
- Negative TB test within the last 12 months.
- Tdap booster within the last 10 years.
- Physical examination within the last 12 months.
- Obtain a Cleveland Clinic Temporary ID Badge (must be returned at the conclusion of the program).
- The Cleveland Clinic buildings and properties are designated non-smoking areas.
- This is a relatively high-pressure program with many deadlines and a busy work environment. Students will be expected to learn from required readings and assigned tasks such as microscopic review of study cases and unknown slides.
- Students will be expected to learn from and interact with a diverse population.
- As full-time students, each will be expected to be engaged in learning activities, including homework assignments, at the Cleveland Clinic for a minimum of 8 hours per day (5 days per week).
- Students must complete all assignments and maintain at least a C average on written and practical examinations. In addition, students must complete, in a satisfactory manner, the review of unknown slides throughout the program reaching a 99% accuracy rate on gyn screening by the end of the school year. Students will be formally evaluated on a quarterly basis and may be subject to dismissal in the event of failing to meet performance standards.
- Students may withdraw from the program by submitting a letter of request to the program director. Students in good standing who wish to return to the program will need to reapply. Readmission will depend on available space and resources.
