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Department of Laboratory Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program
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  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. College of Health Professions
  3. Department of Laboratory Sciences
  4. Degree Programs in the Department of Laboratory Sciences
  5. Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program
  6. About the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program
  7. Admission Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program

Admission Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program

The information below applies to the fall 2026 admission cycle for the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program, which begins on July 15, 2025, and ends on May 15, 2026.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program has the following requirements for consideration for admission to the program:

  • Meets all admission requirements general to the UAMS College of Health Professions
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • A cumulative undergraduate biological science GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Successful completion of specific coursework
  • Meets specific technical standards

UAMS College of Health Professions Admission Requirements

Learn about the prerequisites and other requirements for admission to the UAMS College of Health Professions, regardless of the program.

See the Requirements

Admission Factors

Criteria

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program is competitive and based on the following criteria:

  • Academic achievement
  • Leadership and professionalism
  • Written and oral communication

Special Considerations

During admission reviews, first consideration may be given to Arkansas residents. Highly qualified applicants from out-of-state are strongly encouraged to apply and may successfully compete for admission.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability status as a criterion in deciding against any individual in matters of admission, placement, transfer, hiring, dismissal, compensation, fringe benefits, training, tuition assistance and other personnel or educationally-related actions.

Required Coursework

The following 80 credits are required for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program.

All listed courses are required from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution and must fulfill all college requirements regarding acceptance of transfer credit.

Fulfillment of the prerequisite courses for the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program does not guarantee admission.

A final grade of C or better is required in each of the prerequisite courses.

Actual course titles may vary among institutions. If in doubt about the suitability of the following prerequisite courses, please contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Office.

General Education Coursework Requirements

Typical Course TitleAreaRequired Semester Credit Hours
Two-semester Sequence of English CompositionEnglish and Communication6
Fundamentals of Speech or Speech Communication1English and Communication3
College Algebra (or Higher-level Mathematics)Mathematics3
Fine Arts (Art, Music or Theatre)2Fine Arts and Humanities3
Humanities (History, Humanities, Literature, Philosophy or Political Science)2Fine Arts and Humanities3
History of the United States or National GovernmentSocial Sciences3
Social Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology or Sociology)Social Sciences6
Total General Education Hours27

Program-Specific Coursework Requirements

Typical Course TitleAreaRequired Semester Credit Hours
Biological Science Courses (labs optional - Recommended: General Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology and Histology)Science20
Two-semester Sequence of Chemistry with Labs3 Science8
ElectivesGeneral25
Total Program-Specific Hours53

Summary of Coursework Requirements

CoursesHours
General Education Prequisites27
Program-Specific Prerequisites53
Total Prerequisite Hours80

Credit By Examination

The Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program does not award credits for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program tests. However, they will accept credits awarded by other institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institutions. To be considered for credit transfer, the official transcript from the institution that awarded the credit must reflect the AP, IB or CLEP credits.

Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about credit by examination.

Notes

1 An additional fine arts or humanities course may be substituted for Speech Communication.

2 An additional fine arts course may be substituted for humanities. Likewise, an additional humanities may be substituted for fine arts. Applicants must have a total of six semester credit hours of fine arts / humanities.

3 Fundamental Chemistry I and II, College or General Chemistry I and II, or Organic Chemistry I and II are preferred. Contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Office if you have any questions about the preferred chemistry courses.

Technical Standards

In order to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program, applicants must possess certain physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities necessary to complete the curriculum. These requirements exist to ensure that students are able to effectively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and successful cytologists. Please visit the Technical Standards page for details.

Additional Requirements Once Admitted

If the applicant is admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program, additional requirements must be met before they enroll in the program.

View the List of Requirements

How to Apply to the Bachelor of Science in Cytology Program

Looking to join our degree program? Learn how to apply by reviewing our application instructions for a seamless process.

Learn How to Apply
UAMS College of Health Professions LogoUAMS College of Health ProfessionsUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-5730
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