College of Health Solutions launches first-of-its-kind diagnostics industry partnership to train the workforce of tomorrow
From 2007 to 2022, cytotechnology certification examinees diminished from 246 to 109 per year. With only 19 programs in the United States, the cytology workforce that stands at the front line of cancer screenings and diagnostics is experiencing a profound shortage.
In response, Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions has launched an innovative partnership with Labcorp and InStride that provides training to build the workforce of tomorrow.
Both Arizona and the United States at large have seen an uptick in demand for cytology professionals. The online Master of Science in cytology aims to fill the gap in the workforce.
The program is the first of its kind, paving the way for future partnerships and a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including categorical certificates in laboratory medicine and an online pathway completion for a BAS in applied science (medical laboratory science). As most cytology programs are concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, this unique collaboration provides accessible opportunities for students in Arizona and nationwide to develop the skills to advance their careers in diagnostics.
The graduate program, whose first student cohort matriculated in January, is targeted to students who are already working in a clinical laboratory and features online coursework and supervised in-person training at the students’ host laboratory.
