About the Program
Join the fight against cancer and become an integral member of a healthcare team. Graduates of the Diagnostic Cytology program earn dual licensure in both cytology and histology:
- Cytology develops the skills to identify and diagnose precancerous cellular changes, various types of cancer, and clinically significant infections
- Histology provides knowledge and practical skills in grossing, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy and staining techniques
Both disciplines are designed to equip students for diverse roles in the field of laboratory diagnostics.
Michener offers one of the only Diagnostic Cytology programs in Canada. 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 analyzing human cells under a microscope or through digital imaging. They detect and diagnose cellular changes from various sources — including Pap smears, lung, bladder, breast, gastrointestinal tract, head and neck, lymph nodes, thyroid gland and other body sites. Using standardized reporting terminology, they prepare detailed reports on abnormal findings to assist pathologists in making definitive diagnoses.
Histotechnologists are instrumental in acquiring and preparing specimens using a variety of histotechniques. Their work not only aids in disease diagnosis but also guides the need for further ancillary testing.
After successfully completing the national certification exam, our graduates are licensed to work across various areas of anatomical pathology, including surgical pathology, histopathology and cytopathology. Graduates also possess the fundamental knowledge and transferable skills to work in specialized fields such as electron microscopy, flow cytometry and molecular diagnostics — with additional training.
Most cytotechnologists and histotechnologists work in hospitals or community laboratories, but career paths extend to laboratory management, research, education, sales and marketing and technical consulting. As a vital member of the healthcare team, you will contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and engage in interprofessional collaboration with other health professionals to deliver high-quality patient care.
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 CGPA of 2.7 (B- or 70%) on the OMASA scale AND a minimum grade of 70% (B-)Â 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:
All transcripts must be sent directly from the institution or evaluation service* to be considered official. You can request secondary and post-secondary (university/college) transcripts to be sent electronically by visiting the Request Ontario College/University transcripts section of ontariocolleges.ca.
Any transcripts submitted directly by the applicant will not be considered. Physical transcripts may be sent to Ontario Colleges Application Service, 60 Corporate Court, Guelph ON N1G 5J3.
* Internationally educated applicants are required to have their education evaluated by the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or the World Evaluation Services (WES). Credential Evaluation Reports must be submitted directly to OCAS. For more information, please visit the Internationally Educated Applicants page.
Supporting documents (aside from transcripts) such as resumes, applicant experience checklists, licenses, and reference letters must be submitted to ask-us@ontariocolleges.ca. All documents submitted become the property of Ontario Colleges and Michener and will not be returned.
Additional Requirements
- English Language Proficiency and Credential Evaluation (Internationally Educated 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
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.
