About the Program
Join the fight against cancer and become an integral member of a healthcare team. Diagnostic Cytology helps students learn to detect and diagnose precancerous cellular changes, many different types of cancer and clinically significant infections.
Michener offers one of the only Diagnostic Cytology programs in Canada, where students develop a broad knowledge base and practical skills that will enable entry level cytotechnologists to safely prepare specimens for diagnostic interpretation, perform the microscopic interpretation of those specimens and issue reports according to institutional policies and professional standards.
Graduates are eligible to write the national certification examination conducted by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). Successful completion qualifies the graduate to seek employment across Canada; those wishing to practise in Ontario must also register with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO).
The Diagnostic Cytology program is accredited by Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is a quality improvement process that ensures educational programs meet national standards and that students acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies for safe and effective care at entry to practice.
About the Profession
Cytotechnologists play a crucial role in the fight against cancer by examining human cells and preparing reports on any abnormal results for a pathologist who will make a definitive diagnosis based upon the cytotechnologist’s initial findings. After successful completion of the national certification exam, a working cytotechnologist will evaluate microscope slides marking areas showing significant changes. In this profession, a cytotechnologist may spend up to seven hours per day working at the microscope.
Following standardized reporting terminology, cytotechnologists detect and diagnose precancerous cellular changes by looking at specimen slides taken from pap smears, the lung, bladder, lymph nodes, thyroid gland and other parts of the body. Abnormal gynecological cases and all non-gynecological cases will be sent to a pathologist for final diagnosis.
Most cytotechnologists work in hospitals or community laboratories, but they may also find employment in areas such as laboratory management, research, education, sales and marketing and technical consulting.
Though there is limited direct contact with patients, cytotechnologists play a vital role in the healthcare team.
The Diagnostic Cytology program harmonizes a mixture of theoretical concepts with practical application guided by fantastic instructors.
Brian S., Diagnostic Cytology Student
Get in Touch
Key Dates for Full-Time Programs (2025/26)
- Applications Open: October 10, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Supporting Document Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Last Casper Date: February 20, 2026
- First Round of Offers Released: Mid – April 2026
- Full-Time Provisional Offer or Admission Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Application Evaluation Period: November 2025 – April 2026
- Application Acknowledgement Emails (Sent Weekly): Mid-November 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Active Waitlist for Qualified Applicants: June – September 2026
Costs
Diagnostic Cytology (Full-Time Programs) - Domestic Tuition Fees
| Year of Study | Semester(s) | Tuition ($) | Student Fees ($) | Total Fees ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall* | 3,443.91 | 1,081.81 | 4,525.72 |
| Year 2 | Winter | 3,443.91 | 326.25 | 3,770.16 |
| Year 3 | Summer | 3,443.91 | 326.23 | 3,770.14 |
| Year 4 | Fall | 3,668.71 | 799.31 | 799.31 |
| Year 5 | Winter | 3,410.44 | 1,141.92 | 4,552.36 |
*Footnote: The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the total Fall tuition fees for incoming Year 1
Diagnostic Cytology (Full-Time Programs) - International Tuition & Mandatory Fees
| Year of Study | Semester | Tuition ($) | Student Fees ($) | Total Fees ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall* | 10,331.73 | 2,349.33 | 12,681.06 |
| Year 1 | Winter | 10,331.73 | 487.14 | 10,818.87 |
| Year 1 | Summer | 10,331.73 | 487.12 | 10,818.85 |
| Year 2 | Fall | 10,231.32 | 2,592.80 | 12,824.12 |
*Footnote: The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the total Fall tuition fees for incoming Year 1
Students Fees 2026-27 — Domestic and International Students
Students Fees 2026-27 - Domestic and International Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni | 35.01 | 35.01 | 35.01 | 7.00 |
| Digital Media Fee | 335.09 | 335.09 | 180.95 | 44.90 |
| Graduation | 59.90 | – | – | 17.30 |
| Handbook | 11.14 | 11.14 | 11.14 | 11.15 |
| Health / Counseling Services* | 140.04 | 140.04 | 140.04 | 21.00 |
| Identification Card | 16.71 | – | – | 16.71 |
| Locker | 10.50 | 10.50 | – | – |
| LRC printing | 20.00 | – | – | 21.00 |
| Orientation | 95.29 | – | – | – |
| Student Success Network Fee | 102.49 | 102.49 | 50.13 | 50.13 |
| Student Council – Athletics* | 40.85 | 40.85 | 40.85 | 27.43 |
| Student Council – Operating | 38.99 | 38.99 | 38.99 | 19.50 |
| Student Enrolment Fee | 50.13 | 50.13 | 50.13 | 11.13 |
| Technology Fee* | 208.30 | 208.30 | 208.30 | 122.19 |
| Subtotal: | 1164.44 | 972.54 | 755.54 | 368.44 |
External Fees — 2025/26
External Fee Items — Domestic Students
External Fees — 2025/26 External FeeItems - Domestic Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mask Fitting | 68.25 | – | – | – |
| Student Health & Dental Insurance | 334.95 | 334.95 | 334.95 | – |
| Student Bursary Levy | 17.33 | 17.33 | 17.33 | – |
| Total: | 1,584.97 | 1,324.82 | 1,107.82 | 368.44 |
External Fee Items — International Students
External Fees — 2025/26 External FeeItems - International Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Health Insurance | 1,234.95 | 1,234.95 | 1,234.95 | – |
| Mask Fitting | 68.25 | – | – | – |
| International Support and Advising | 500.00 | 500.00 | 500.00 | – |
| Total: | 2,967.64 | 2,707.49 | 2,490.49 | – |
Find the list of Required and Recommended Textbooks through Michener’s Learning Resource Collaboratory (LRC).
Every year, Michener offers scholarships and named bursary awards to students. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, general and discipline-specific scholarships and awards have been established to provide Michener’s full-time programs with financial aid.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) administers many financial aid programs, including loans, grants and scholarships. The eligibility rules for each program may change from one academic year to the next.Â
Students in Ultrasound are eligible to receive OSAP. Students should apply for OSAP online and email regoffice@michener.ca with any questions. Michener students may also be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under the Canada Student Loans (CSL) and/or the Ontario Student Loans (OSL) components of OSAP.
For more information:Â
Academic Requirements
Applicants to the Diagnostic Cytology program must meet the below admission requirements:
- Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum 70% (B-) average and 70% (B-) average in the following university level courses:
- Human Anatomy – 0.5 credit (one term or semester)
- Human Physiology – 0.5 credit (one term or semester)
- Michener’s online distance-education course Anatomy and Physiology – APCE890 can fulfill the Human Anatomy & Human Physiology prerequisites
- If you are currently registered in AP 601 or AP 807, these courses are still eligible to fulfill the Human Anatomy & Human Physiology prerequisites
- Canadian certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with a degree or diploma with a minimum overall average of 70% (B-)
Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents by February 15, 2026:
Educational Requirements
- Postsecondary transcripts (WES and/or ICAS evaluations if applicable)
- Additional proof of prerequisite completion if completed outside postsecondary transcripts
- Postsecondary transcripts (WES and/or ICAS evaluations if applicable)
- Proof of license or registration documents as Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) in Canada
NOTE: Internationally-educated applicants are required to have their education evaluated by WES or ICAS. Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an English language assessment. Please visit the International Students page for more information.
Where to submit documents:
- Physical or electronic copies of your official transcripts and credential evaluations (WES or ICAS) must be submitted directly by the host institution to OCAS or admissions@michener.ca
- English language assessments must be sent directly to OCAS or admissions@michener.ca by the assessment provider.
- Supporting documents (aside from transcripts) such as: resume, applicant experience checklist, reference letters, licenses, course outlines, etc. must be sent to ask-us@ontariocolleges.ca.
Additional Requirements
- English Language Proficiency and Credential Evaluation (International Students Only)
- Minimum Technology Requirements
- Health Requirements
Post Admission Requirements
Once students have accepted their offer of admission, they will need to meet the following post-admission requirements by the deadline indicated in the offer letter:
Health requirements are mandatory for all Michener students. Make sure to start the process of obtaining your health requirements immediately upon accepting your offer of admission to ensure that you meet the deadlines. This process will involve multiple visits to your physician/healthcare provider.
Students are responsible for costs incurred. More information is available on the Health Requirements page. Health Requirement documents are uploaded through the Michener Self-Service Portal. Contact the Health Services Department at healthservices@michener.ca for questions.
All students who accept an offer of admission into a Michener program must submit proof of a Vulnerable Sector Check, conducted at their expense. Completed Vulnerable Sector Checks are uploaded to the Michener Self-Service Portal. Failure to do so may result in a revocation of admission or restriction on clinical activities.
Students must attend respiratory protection training and be mask-fit tested prior to attending their clinical placement. Students must also comply with their clinical site’s respiratory protection policies. Visit the Mask Fit Testing page for more information.
In addition to offences disclosed under the Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), accepted applicants are required to disclose if they have been charged with (where charges are still outstanding or unresolved) or convicted of an offense under any other Federal statute or international law (other offenses) and to disclose if they have been charged (where charges are still outstanding and unresolved) or have been disciplined by any professional body or association.
Accepted applicants will agree to complete annual mandatory training requirements including Cybersecurity Training and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training program during the first week of classes.
Accepted applicants will agree to participate in learning activities that will include practicing real and/or simulated learning activities, which at times may involve fellow classmates, volunteers and/or other individuals under the supervision of qualified program faculty. Accepted applicants will also agree to act as a simulated patient for other students. These activities may also be evaluated to determine competence acquisition and may be recorded (audio/video).
Accepted applicants will attest that they have read and understand relevant policies with particular attention to Michener’s policies in the following areas:
- Clinical Placement
- At the point of accepting an offer of admission, students agree to attend any placement site that is assigned to them knowing that sites may be located anywhere in Ontario and for some programs across Canada
- Community Right and Responsibilities
- Michener is committed to the establishment of an atmosphere of respect and civility and appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of all those associated with Michener
- Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
- All Michener students are required to be in compliance with the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with proof of full vaccination
How to Apply: Checklist
- Length: 24 weeks
- Start: August
- End: February
NOTE: Dates for Fall 2023 semester are tentative and subject to change based on timing of CSMLS exam.
You will be assigned to a clinical placement site(s) through Michener’s Office for Clinical Education. This process begins with an information session in the first semester of your program.
As clinical education is a major component of all Michener programs, our affiliated clinical sites are integral to your education. They include teaching and community hospitals and private laboratories in Canada. Working closely under the supervision of Cytotechnologists, you will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills into practice during the clinical phase of your program.
Clinical placements give you hands-on experience in work environments and the opportunity to network with potential employers.
