A cytotechnologist's primary responsibility is working with a microscope to detect a variety of diseases, including cancer and pre-cancerous changes. However, they also are qualified in the detection of viral changes, nutritional disorders, and changes secondary to therapy. They may assist in the collection of cells from body sites including female genital, respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, as well as the oral cavity. Their skills have a wide application in clinical cytopathology and research in such places as hospitals, private laboratories, university medical centers, federal and state laboratories, and in industry. Cytotechnology practice is well suited to the hearing-impaired or physically handicapped who desire a career in allied health.
        The histotechnologist's primary responsibility involves the preparation of tissues for microscopic study. This involves the fixation or freezing of tissues, followed by embedding and sectioning of the tissue. Thin sections of tissues are mounted on slides and stained in various ways to make the tissue structures and cellular components visible for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist. The skills of a histotechnologist are utilized in hospital labs, marine biology, botany, veterinary medicine, forensic medicine, and pharmaceutical testing, as well as in industry and university research.
        Training in both cytotechnology and histotechnology creates multicompetence, enabling a greater selection of job settings, as well as enhanced background for research and teaching positions.

Example of a 2 + 2 schedule
Two years at Furman and two years in Cytotech/Histotech program in another school that will confer the BS degree

Example of a 3 + 1 schedule
Three years at Furman and one year in a cytotechnology program leading to certification as C.T. and a BS.