Curriculum

Didactic Training
The first six months of Mayo’s Cytogenetic Technology Program consists of formal didactic and clinical laboratory instruction, including lectures, demonstrations, videos and hands-on laboratory experience.

Clinical Practicum
During the last three months of the program, the student will perform chromosome studies on clinical patient specimens under the supervision of the program faculty and laboratory personnel.

You will practice culturing cells, preparing slides for analysis, analyzing metaphases, preparing karyotypes to detect chromosome abnormalities and analyzing fluorescent-labeled cells to detect chromosome variations.

This clinical training includes:

Chromosome Analysis
Chromosome studies are useful for a variety of clinical indications. Prenatal cytogenetic testing is routinely offered to pregnant women over the age of 35 or pregnant women who have abnormal serum screening results. Chromosome analysis is part of the routine clinical workup for children with phenotypic and/or mental deficiency and for couples experiencing reproductive problems.

Cytogenetics provides information for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of treatment for a variety of cancers. Since some chromosome abnormalities can be inherited, the finding of a chromosome abnormality in some patients may have implications to other family members and/or to their future pregnancies.

Molecular Cytogenetics/Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) Techniques
Molecular cytogenetics began in the late 1980s, when fluorescent-labeled nucleic acid probes were first hybridized with chromosomes. These FISH probes can be detected on metaphase chromosomes, in interphase nuclei, in tissue sections, or even in blastomeres or gametes. The FISH probes can hybridize to entire chromosomes or to single unique DNA sequences.

The type of FISH probe used is based on the type of syndrome/disease/condition that is suspected. The applications of FISH include: ploidy analysis, translocation and structural breakpoint analysis, detection of deletions and duplications too small to be observed by conventional cytogenetics (microdeletions/microduplications), and gene mapping. FISH is often used as a powerful adjunct to conventional cytogenetics.

Culture and Harvest
When conducting a cytogenetic study, the protocol used to culture and harvest the specimen is dependent on the type of tissue involved (peripheral blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, lymph node, tumor, etc.) and the type of analysis method utilized.  The culture and harvest process is a critical step in producing a high-quality slide for chromosome or FISH analysis.

During the clinical experience, the student will build on the knowledge and skills gained from working with the same procedures and specimens in the classroom setting.  While working in close contact with laboratory mentors, the student will benefit from additional hands-on experience in each area of the culture and harvest laboratory.  During the rotation, students spend one week in each of the following areas:  peripheral blood, bone marrow, long-term, and accessioning/review/mass-staining.

Grading or Evaluation
Mayo School of Health Sciences uses evaluative tools that include:

• Written examination
• Demonstration of skills
• Self-assessment exercises
• Faculty reviews

Our system of evaluation provides students and faculty with a comprehensive look at individual performance, allowing students who are experiencing academic difficulty to be directed to appropriate support resources, including tutoring programs and counseling opportunities.

Curriculum Enhancements
Mayo School of Health Sciences is committed to developing and maintaining the very best education programs. Changes may be made to the curriculum and other aspects of this program as necessary to assure the highest-quality training possible.