The ‘Morph'ology of cytotechnology education

Abstract

'Morph' means to change gradually and completely from one thing into another usually in a way that is surprising or seems magical. How can cytotechnology education be morphed into an expanded curriculum to teach new skills for advanced practice? The challenges cytotechnology programmes are facing today are many. The biggest of these challenges is the decreasing volume of Pap tests. Pap tests have been our 'bread and butter' throughout history; however, advances in health care and technology are inevitable, thus requiring changes in our educational practices. While these challenges seem insurmountable, we have the ability to expand the field of cytotechnology by taking advantage of existing opportunities. One example of these opportunities is performing rapid on site evaluation (ROSE) for specimen adequacy and perhaps taking it one step further by giving a preliminary diagnosis as a billable procedure. Now is the time to take gradual steps towards change in the current practice of cytotechnology. Let's join together and make the journey surprising and magical.

Advanced practitioner in anatomic pathology: The time has come

“…Some institutions are already leading the way in the implementation of this model . As in the current report, the Mayo Clinic now routinely employs cytotechnologists in advanced‐practice roles under the supervision of the pathologist .…”

“…Examples studied to date have included the prescreening of biopsy specimens before the pathologist's final review, special stains for organisms, immunohistochemistry calculations of positive indices (eg, Ki‐67), and morphologic molecular procedures such as in situ hybridization (fluorescence in situ hybridization and chromogenic in situ hybridization) . Other areas ideal for such extenders include the following: rapid onsite cytology interpretations; the prescreening of additional high‐volume tasks (eg, lymph node dissection and prostate core biopsy); the preparation of digital images for tumor boards, telepathology, and publications; the selection of appropriate materials for molecular assays; management tasks associated with quality control/assurance; and the collation and preliminary assessment of data from complex testing …”

Cytotechnologists’ education and work in Finland

“…Meanwhile, in Europe, the European Advisory Committee of Cytotechnology provides guidelines for minimum requirements for practising cytotechnology in Europe and national cytology and cytotechnology societies organise workshops, slide seminars, tutorials and conferences to train cytotechnologists . However, many of the cytotechnology programmes across the world tend to be small and many have closed down in the USA, while Australia has developed self‐appraisal for postgraduate training and education programme . There could be several explanations for this including the fact that cytotechnology is not a well‐known profession and cytotechnologists have not had the opportunity to continue their studies in cytotechnology at Masters and Doctorate levels …”

“…However, many of the cytotechnology programmes across the world tend to be small and many have closed down in the USA, while Australia has developed self‐appraisal for postgraduate training and education programme . There could be several explanations for this including the fact that cytotechnology is not a well‐known profession and cytotechnologists have not had the opportunity to continue their studies in cytotechnology at Masters and Doctorate levels …”

“…9 There could be several explanations for this including the fact that cytotechnology is not a well-known profession and cytotechnologists have not had the opportunity to continue their studies in cytotechnology at Masters and Doctorate levels. 8 In general, cytotechnologists screen many kinds of specimen, including Pap smears, respiratory and urinary specimens and fineneedle aspirations. The work carried out by cytotechnologists varies across Europe.…”