Master of Science In Clinical Cytology

Overview
  1.  INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The Master of Science in Clinical Cytology programme was started in the Department of Human Pathology in 1996 and remains the only such programme of its kind in the region and has a pride of place as a flagship programme of the University. To date the programme has produced graduates who are working with the Ministries of Health, institutions of higher learning and research organisations.  The most widely understood role of cytology is in cervical cancer screening by Pap test first developed in the early 20th century by George Papanicolaou, in the United States of America. The field of cytopathology has since grown to include fine needle aspiration, as well as immunophenotying and other molecular diagnostics. Recent revisions to this curriculum have expanded the scope to include skills in leadership and management to reflect the increasing role of cytologists in leadership, management and training for the expanded Universal Health Care.

1.2       Philosophy

The MSc. Clinical Cytology program of the University of Nairobi is designed to train internationally recognized Clinical Cytologists through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of acquired knowledge. The University of Nairobi will strive to produce highly trained personnel to provide health services and specialized trainers.

1.3       Rationale

The mandate of the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health is to promote and improve the health status of all Kenyans by providing curative, preventive and rehabilitative health care services.  Appropriate services can only be achieved if properly coordinated diagnostic services run by well-trained personnel who are available.

The field of cytopathology traditionally includes both exfoliative cytology and fine needle aspiration, but advances in medicine has expanded the scope to include immunophenotying and molecular diagnostics. In addition, cytologists are increasingly assuming laboratory leadership and management roles. With increased number of training institutions, there is increased demand for highly skilled and trained professionals

1.4       Goal

The aim of this programme is to produce competent clinical cytologists who will work hand in hand with Pathologists to provide cytological screening and diagnostic services in Kenya and elsewhere.

 

1.5   Contact of Support Person

For any assistance contact the Secretary, Office of the Chair, Department of Human Pathology 

Telephone: 0204915048

E-mail: dept-hpathology@uonbi.ac.ke 

or pay us a visit at Kenyatta National Hospital Campus, University of Nairobi, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Pathology.  https://humanpathology.uonbi.ac.ke/basic-page/physical-location 

4.1 The Master of Science Clinical Cytology program course shall be on full time basis and shall cover a minimum number of two (2) academic years and a maximum of four (4) academic years. All the course units shall be compulsory.

4.2 The program shall comprise of 2 parts; Part 1 (year 1) and Part 2 (year 2)

4.3 The learners shall be required to a maintain and submit a logbook for a minimum set number of clinical cases

4.4 The learner shall be required to undertake a supervised project and to submit a written dissertation for

examination in the second year of study.

4.5 The learner shall undertake a research project, the dissertation of which shall be for the final year examination

4.6 A student exceeding the prescribed maximum duration of the course without valid reason shall be discontinued

 

  1. Minimum admission requirements

The common regulations for the Master's degree of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

In addition, applicants eligible for admission to the course shall be:

  1. Holders of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University of Nairobi or equivalent as approved by the Senate. 
  2. Holders of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree or its equivalent. 
  3. Holders of a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences degree or its equivalent.
  4. Applicants must also provide evidence of proficiency in the English language from a recognized institution, in the case of applicants whose language of instruction during the undergraduate course was not the English language.

 

2. Credit transfer and exemptions

  1. An applicant may on the recommendation of the Faculty Academic Committee and the Senate, transfer credits of equivalent courses taken in part one of the courses, exclusive of practical courses and only to a maximum of one-third of the courses in year one.
  2. An applicant may, on the recommendation of the Faculty Academic Committee, and approval of the Senate, be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one-third of the taught courses (non-practical) only offered in Part I if these are from institutions recognized by the Senate.
  3. Applicants seeking transfer of credits shall send a formal application to the Academic Registrar through the Dean Faculty of Health Sciences.  The applicant shall justify the request and attach officially endorsed supportive documents and relevant credentials including the institution's syllabus for the relevant course.
  4. Application for credit transfer shall be processed, only after payment of the prescribed fees.

 

3. Mode of Delivery 

  1. Face-to-face mode

This will be the main teaching mode using didactic sessions, lectures, tutorials, demonstration seminars, external laboratory visits, journal clubs, clinic pathological conferences, supervised hands-on training, case presentations and case reviews, Teleconference, telepathology laboratory rotations and Clinical rotations.

       2. Web-based platforms

Additional content for self-directed learning will be provided through e-learning platforms, video conferencing and web content

       3. Blended Mode

Blended combines online learning with synchronous, asynchronous and face-to-face methods.

 

        4. Logbook

A logbook of case reports will be kept, which will include a record of all the cytological examinations performed by the student throughout the programme.

 

4. Application Information 

Application is done online through the Online Application System. Click here to apply

 

5. Schedule of Intake 

September of every year.

 

Attachment opportunity 

Research and Laboratory attachments in the department laboratories 

Career Prospective

  • Cytologist in hospitals
  • Research opportunity 
  • Teaching careers in academia
  • Post-doctoral fellowship/training
  • Scientist in research and development
Year 1  Semester 1   Semester 2   
TUITION      192,000.00      192,000.00              384,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)           3,000.00                        -                     3,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)           2,250.00           2,250.00                   4,500.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)           1,000.00                        -                     1,000.00
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)           5,000.00                        -                     5,000.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)           2,000.00                        -                     2,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)           6,500.00                        -                     6,500.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)           7,000.00                        -                     7,000.00
CAUTION - (ONCE)           5,000.00                        -                     5,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)           1,000.00                        -                     1,000.00
Totals   224,750.00   194,250.00        419,000.00
       
       TOTALS 
Year 2  Semester 1   Semester 2   
TUITION      192,000.00      192,000.00              384,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)           6,000.00           6,000.00                12,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)           2,250.00           2,250.00                   4,500.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)           1,000.00                        -                     1,000.00
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)           5,000.00                        -                     5,000.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)           2,000.00                        -                     2,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)           6,500.00                        -                     6,500.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)           7,000.00                        -                     7,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)           1,000.00                        -                     1,000.00
THESIS EXAMINATION                        -           30,000.00                30,000.00
Year 2 Totals   222,750.00   230,250.00        453,000.00
                                     -  
Grand totals       872,000.00