Bachelor of Science in Cyto-Technology

The Perspective:

In Uganda, the incidence of cancers and non-neoplastic conditions is on the rise. There is a
high morbidity and mortality associated with cancers many of which like cervical and
breast cancer can be preventable by regular screening.

Cytology screening has been adopted as the major strategy for reduction in cancer
mortality and morbidity and is also extremely useful in diagnosis of many infectious
diseases. Developed Countries with optimal number of cytotechnologists have been able to
register a marked reduction in incidence of cancers. Cytotechnologists are pivotal to any
successful screening program as they handle up to 95% of samples and refer only the
abnormal slides to specialized pathologists.

Uganda has no trained cytotechnologists and this is a major constraint to the planned
massive cancer screening program. Currently the country has only 18 specialized
pathologists who are limited to universities and Mulago National Referral Hospital. The
scale up of screening services will need a cadre of professionals that is well -grounded in
Cytology with adequate training and sufficient clinical exposure.

Program goal
To improve the quality of life and economic productivity of our people by training experts
in cell analysis who are equipped with appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to
support screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancers and other diseases using cells from
different sites of the human body.

Program competences:
After going through this program students have:

 Knowledge on the scientific basis and application of Cytotechnology in laboratory

practices.
 Knowledge and skills to work professionally in any community in Uganda
 Training, entrepreneurial, supervisory and managerial skills.
 Knowledge and skills to conduct research and plan public health disease
screening programs.
 Skills of rendering cancer screening, diagnostic, therapeutic and counseling
services confidently and timely for the best health outcome.
 Knowledge, skills and attitudes that is necessary for ethical medical practice.
 Knowledge on human rights
The BSc. Cytotechnology Graduate:

Cytotechnologists are skilled morphologists and diagnosticians with roles that include:

 Evaluating cell samples under the microscope for screening purposes

 Development and evaluation of new cell based diagnostic tests

 Consulting with patients and providers on issues related to Cytology services

 Train and improve awareness of modern cytotechnology techniques among other

health providers

 Counseling patients

 Participate in community disease detection and prevention programs

Admission Requirements:

Direct Entry Scheme:

For admission to the Bachelor of Cytotechnology (B.Cytotec) degree program under the
Direct Entry Scheme, a candidate must have:

a. Sat the Uganda Certificate of Education examinations (or its equivalent) and
obtained a certificate in it.
b. Obtained two advanced level principal passes in Biology, Chemistry taken at
the same sitting of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (or
equivalent). Other relevant subjects include Physics, Mathematics,
Economics, Agriculture, and Nutrition and obtained at least a subsidiary pass
in it.
c. Obtained minimum-weighed points as shall be determined by the admissions
Board.
Two principal passes in science subjects; important subjects are Biology and Chemistry.

Mature Age Entry Scheme:

For admission to the Bachelor of Cytotechnology Degree program under the Mature Age
Entry Scheme, a candidate must sit and pass the Mature Age Entrance Examinations set and
marked by Makerere. He/she must satisfy all other University requirements for the
admission to the University under the Mature Age Entry Scheme.

Diploma Holders Entry Scheme:

 For admissions into the B. Cytotech Program under the Diploma Holders Entry Scheme a
candidate must have the following:

(a) A good second-class diploma or advanced certificate in health disciplines.

(b) A level certificate in related subjects.

Such diploma holders may include;

(a) Medical laboratory Technologists

(b) Radiographers
(c) Anesthetic Assistants/Officers
(d) Clinical Officers
(e) Clinical Ophthalmic officers
(f) Physiotherapists
(g) Environmental Health Officers
(h) Public Health Officers
(i) Public Health Dental Assistants
(j) Public Health Assistants
(k) Dispensers
(l) Psychiatric Clinical Officers
(m) Holders of a Diploma in Health Education
(n) Diploma in Medical /health related fields and bioscience subjected.

This category shall also include A’ Level Certificate holders listed below:

(a) Uganda Registered Nurses

(b) Uganda Registered Midwives

Program Duration:
This is a three-year academic program. Every academic year has two 17-week semesters
(15 weeks teaching time and 2 weeks examination time) and a 10-week recess term (8
weeks learning time and 2 weeks examination time.

Program Structure:

The Cytotechnologist training program is made up of courses that run for 2 to 8 weeks. The
courses are sequenced in such a way that one builds on the knowledge of the previous
course.

Study Load:
 A total of 98 Credit Units must be accumulated for successful completion of the Bachelor of
Science Cytotechnology degree, where;

1 Clinical hour = 1 contact hour

1 Lecture hour = 1 contact hour
2 Tutorial hours = 1 contact hour
2 Practical hours = 1 contact hour
2 Self study hours = 1 contact hour
1 Credit Unit = 15 contact hours

Course Outline:

Semester I LH Cl.H TH PH SH CH CU
FOM 1101:Introduction to Health, Professionals 3 5 18 12 44 45 3
Education & Ethics
CYT 1101: Introduction to the cell and tissues 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

FOM 1103: Blood and Body fluids 5 10 30 20 70 75 5

CYT 1102: Introduction to Cytology Equipments 2 6 12 8 24 30 2

CYT 1103: Anatomy and function of the Brain, 2 6 12 8 24 30 2

nervous tissues and Endocrine system.

Total 15

Semester II LH Cl.H TH PH SH CH CU
CYT 1201: Anatomy and physiology of the 3 5 10 12 44 45 3
Gastrointestinal Tract

CYT 1202: Anatomy and physiology of the 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

Reproductive, breast and Urinary systems

CYT 1203: Anatomy and physiology of the 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

Cardiovascular and Respiratory System

CYT 1204: Principles of Microbiology and 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

Immunology
CYT 1205: Principles of Pathology 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

Total 15

Recess LH CL.H TH PH SH CH CU

FOM: Introduction to community Health I 2 12 24 32 36 60 4

FOM: Introduction to community health II 2 12 24 32 36 60 4

Total 8

Year 2 Semester I

CYT2101: Principles of Pharmacology 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

CYT 2102:Theory and practice of cytopreparatory 5 10 30 30 60 75 5

techniques

CYT 2103: Cyto-preparatory Techniques II: 4 8 24 32 36 60 4

cytopathology

CYT 2104: Principles of Laboratory management 3 5 18 32 36 45 3

Total 15

Semester II:

CYT 2201: Role of Cytology in screening program 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 2202: Effusion cytology 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 2203: Gynecological Cytopathology 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 2204: Gynaecological Diagnostic Laboratory I 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 2205: Special techniques 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

Total 15

Recess Term

CYT 2301: Elective -

Year 3

Semester I

Course code Course Name

CYT 3101: Research Proposal writing 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 3102: Concept of cell culture 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 3103: Diagnostic Cytopathology I 2 3 10 20 20 30 2

CYT 3104: Gynaecological Diagnostic Laboratory II 3 5 24 32 36 45 3

CYT 3105: CYT 3105: Diagnostic Cytopathology II 4 8 24 32 36 60 4

Total 15

Semester II

CYT 3201:Molecular Diagnostics 4 8 24 32 36 60 4

CYT 3202: Clinical Practicum I 4 8 24 32 36 60 4

CYT 3203: Clinical Practicum II 4 8 24 32 36 60 4

CYT 3204: Dissertation/ Research Thesis 3 5 18 24 32 45 3

Total 15

Assessment and Examinations: At the end of each semester, students are required to sit and
pass examination in those courses that have been offered. During the semester the student
does progressive assessment examinations, which account for 30% of the final exam mark.

Each course is assessed in two parts:

(a) Course work (Progressive Assessment), which is a written examination, contributes

30%.
(b) End of semester examinations consist of a written paper and oral examination
which is graded out of 70%.
(c) Each course is graded out of a maximum of one hundred (100) marks) and assigned
appropriate letter grades and grade points.
(d) All courses in this program are compulsory and examinable. Courses are grouped
into two blocks under the themes:

Block I: Normal body structure and function, human behavior, society and
disease

Block II: Cytotechnology practice, Research and Management

Courses in block I are pre-requisite for progressing to block II

Cytotechnologists are accredited by the International Academy of after sitting and passing
the International Academy of Cytotechnology Comprehensive Cytotechnology Examination.

Teaching and Learning Resources:

 (a) Pathology lecture theatre for lectures
(b) The cytology laboratory
(c) The Histopathology laboratory
(d) Davis Lecture theaters.
(e) Molecular pathology Laboratory
(f) Immunohistochemistry Laboratory.
(g) Mortuary lecture theatre.
(h) Hospital Pathology Laboratory.
(i) Microbiology Laboratory
(j) Immunoflorence Laboratory-Mulago Hospital
(k) Mortuary

Collaboration with other teaching institutions:

The University is collaborating with institutions that are already running similar programs
through student and staff exchanges. These institutions include; Stellenbosch University,
and Cape Town; both of South Africa.

Fees and Finances:

Funding of the program comes from government and private sponsored students. The
program takes on 30 students (5 international students and 15 Ugandans).

Ugandan privately sponsored students pay UGX 1,200,000 per semester and UGX 705,000
for the recess semester.

International students pay 2,400,000Shs per semester and 1,410,000 for the recess
semester.

Please Note:
1. Application fees are paid at the time of collection of application forms
2. University fees (i.e. Registration, Administration, and Library, Examination, and
Tuition fees) must be paid to the University before registration.
3. Graduation, Certificate, Convocation and Academic Transcript fees are paid on
completion of the course.
4. University fees may be paid in form of cash or Bank draft to Makerere
University Council.
 5. Non-Ugandans may pay fees in US Dollar equivalent to Uganda Shillings.
6. The student may be government sponsored, Aid agency sponsored or self-
sponsored.
7. Other requirements like books, stationary & materials, accommodation, food,
research expenses, etc; the sponsor should pay directly to the Student
8. The funds for research are paid to the student at the beginning of the research
Project.

Employment Opportunities

 Hospitals, both public and private

 Research and training Institutions

 Private laboratories; diagnostic, diseases surveillance and quality control.

 Medical equipment manufacturing industries and other enterprises