This is the only cytotechnology program offered at a community college in the United States.
Designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Get real laboratory experience across North and South Carolina.
High demand, competitive salaries and strong job placement.
Cytotechnology is the study of cells to detect disease. This post‑baccalaureate program prepares you for entry‑level cytologist roles through hands‑on lab work and clinical training. Our students examine cells to identify infections, benign conditions and cancer-related changes. Experienced faculty guide learning in a focused, professional environment.
Cytotechnology is the study of cells under a microscope to help detect disease and guide patient care.
After applying to Central Piedmont, you will need to submit an additional application to participate in the Cytotechnology program. Find out about healthcare application requirements on the Apply to a Healthcare Program page.
Before applying, we encourage you to also review Cytotechnology program requirements.
Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that includes 20 semester hours of biology, eight semester hours of chemistry and three semester hours of mathematics are eligible to apply.
Additionally, applicants must have an overall 2.75 GPA to be eligible to apply to the program. To be strongly considered for acceptance, a minimum science GPA of 3.0 is highly recommended.
It takes three semesters to complete this program and can be done within one academic year.
No, the Cytotechnology program does not accept credits from Advanced Placement, transfer courses, or experiential learning.
All students are required to complete the entire curriculum, regardless of prior education, training or professional experience.
| Item | Description | In State Students | Out of State Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Without General Education Courses (refer to note 1) | $2,888 | $10,184 |
| Books | Without General Education Courses | $1,596 | $1,596 |
| Activity Fee | Paid each semester at registration - $26/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $35/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more | $96 | $96 |
| Tech Fee | Paid each semester at registration - $48/semester | $144 | $144 |
| CAPS Fee | Campus Parking - $80/semester if taking 8 credit hours or less; $107/semester if taking 9 credit hours or more | $288 | $288 |
| Lab Fee | Included in Course Registration - $27/lab hr. or $216 max/semester | $432 | $432 |
| Accident Insurance | Required for program - $1.60/semester | $5 | $5 |
| Liability Insurance | Required for program - $8.70/semester | $26 | $26 |
| Uniforms | For clinical affiliations only | $275 | $275 |
| Physical Exam and Immunizations | One time upon admission to program - See Note 2. Immunizations as required | variable | variable |
| Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening | One time - required for clinicals | $115 | $115 |
| Clinical Affiliation Out of Town | One semester only (approximate cost). (refer to note 6) | variable | variable |
| Graduation Fee | One time fee | $20 | $20 |
| Pinning Fee | One time fee | $30 | $30 |
| Licensure Fee | After graduation | $250 | $250 |
| Total | Without General Education Courses | $6,165 | $13,461 |
Graduates qualify for entry‑level cytologist roles after certification.
Yes, Cytotechnology program graduates will be eligible to take the ASCP Board of Certification Exam in Cytotechnology if they have completed the program within five years of taking the exam and have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college/university.
For official guidance, visit the ASCP website.
Central Piedmont is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees.
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
404-679-4500
This program is accredited by:
CAAHEP
9355 113th St. N
#7709
Seminole, FL 33775
P: 727-210-2350
F: 727-210-2354
Email: mail@caahep.org
CAAHEP Website
