Eligibility

• The ASCP offers CT the certification for cytotechnologists, which is often called the CT(ASCP). There are two eligibility requirements. First, you must attain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Second, you must complete a cytotechnology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. You must apply for the CT certification within five years of finishing the cytotechnology program. The application fee is $210 as of May 2010.
  
  

Process

• Once you have determined that you are eligible for the American Society for Clinical Pathology's cytotechnology--or CT--credential, you can begin the certification process. The first step is to demonstrate that you completed the baccalaureate and cytotechnology program. You also must submit an application and pay for the examination. Once approved, you must schedule your testing date, then study and prepare for it. After taking the test, all you can do is wait for the results. Upon receiving notice that you've passed the test, your certification will be mailed to your home address.
  
  

Accredited Programs

• As of May 2010, the CAAHEP has accredited 34 cytotechnology programs. Of those, 23 are baccalaureate degree programs and four are master's degree program. You'll find the master's degree programs at UCLA's School of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania, University of Rhode Island and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
  
  

What You'll Learn

• In the Thomas Jefferson University cytotechnology program, students learn the basics of cell collection and preparation and evaluation criteria. They also learn how to use correlations of clinical information and a patient's history for diagnosing problems. The program also covers diagnostic theory and its application, as well as microscopy interpretation. The final part of the program at Thomas Jefferson University includes internships, where students practice their skills.
  
  

Salary Potential

• The incomes for cytotechnologists who are certified by ASCP generally increase as their level of experience increases. According to PayScale.com, those with less than a year of experience have a median salary of $47,000. With 1 to 4 years of experience, the median salary jumps to $50,100 and with 5 to 9 years of experienced, certified cytotechnologists earn a median salary of $53,500. As of May 2010, veterans in the field have a median salary of $64,000.