TY - JOUR
T1 - Voices from the field
T2 - supporting the educational needs of cytotechnologists
AU - Friedlander, Maria A.
AU - Pineault, Lynnette S.
AU - Donnelly, Amber
AU - Giroux, Sandra
AU - Naik, Kalyani
N1 - Funding Information:
This effort was funded by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the ASC Foundation.
Funding Information:
Special thanks to ASCP Staff; ASC Staff and Executive Board; Asma Ali, PhD, for the statistical compilation of the data; and Barbara Crothers, DO, for review of manuscript., Members of the ASC-ASCP Workgroup Focusing on Emerging Roles for Cytopathology, Janie Roberson, SCT(ASCP), Michele Smith, MS, SCT (ASCP), Amy Wendel Spiczka, MS, SCT MP HTL HT(ASCP)CM.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Society of Cytopathology
PY - 2018/9/1
Y1 - 2018/9/1
N2 - Introduction: Sustaining a well-trained, competitive, and marketable cytotechnology workforce is a major goal of the American Society of Cytopathology/American Society for Clinical Pathology Workgroup Focusing on Emerging Roles in Cytopathology (ASC/ASCP Workgroup). This article describes the data collection initiatives performed by the Workgroup to confirm cytotechnologist (CT) perceived educational needs to keep pace with emerging practice changes in the workplace. In response to data collected, the Workgroup created Advanced Cytopathology Education (ACE)—a unique, innovative educational resource designed to fulfill this need. Materials and Methods: Data collection efforts included annual needs assessment surveys to gauge CT participants’ preferred topics and learning modalities. These data were used to design and prioritize ACE topics. Program evaluations were also administered to evaluate participants’ perceptions of program quality and effectiveness at meeting their educational needs. Results: Research findings reveal CT education needs to align with emerging practice areas as reported in other Workgroup data collection efforts. The incorporation of new entry-level competencies in cytotechnology training programs prepares new CT graduates, but there is no standardized mechanism for formal, robust, and recognized ongoing education for other practicing CTs. Conclusions: This article highlights the educational endeavors carried out by the Workgroup in fulfilling the educational needs of practicing CTs as communicated through various data collection efforts. As CT responsibilities evolve, ASC and Workgroup efforts will continue to focus on providing educational support for current practicing CTs who need training in emerging practice areas.
AB - Introduction: Sustaining a well-trained, competitive, and marketable cytotechnology workforce is a major goal of the American Society of Cytopathology/American Society for Clinical Pathology Workgroup Focusing on Emerging Roles in Cytopathology (ASC/ASCP Workgroup). This article describes the data collection initiatives performed by the Workgroup to confirm cytotechnologist (CT) perceived educational needs to keep pace with emerging practice changes in the workplace. In response to data collected, the Workgroup created Advanced Cytopathology Education (ACE)—a unique, innovative educational resource designed to fulfill this need. Materials and Methods: Data collection efforts included annual needs assessment surveys to gauge CT participants’ preferred topics and learning modalities. These data were used to design and prioritize ACE topics. Program evaluations were also administered to evaluate participants’ perceptions of program quality and effectiveness at meeting their educational needs. Results: Research findings reveal CT education needs to align with emerging practice areas as reported in other Workgroup data collection efforts. The incorporation of new entry-level competencies in cytotechnology training programs prepares new CT graduates, but there is no standardized mechanism for formal, robust, and recognized ongoing education for other practicing CTs. Conclusions: This article highlights the educational endeavors carried out by the Workgroup in fulfilling the educational needs of practicing CTs as communicated through various data collection efforts. As CT responsibilities evolve, ASC and Workgroup efforts will continue to focus on providing educational support for current practicing CTs who need training in emerging practice areas.
KW - Cytotechnologist
KW - Cytotechnology
KW - Education
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jasc.2018.04.006
DO - 10.1016/j.jasc.2018.04.006
M3 - Review article
C2 - 31043284
AN - SCOPUS:85048523940
SN - 2213-2945
VL - 7
SP - 250
EP - 260
JO - Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology
JF - Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology
IS - 5
ER -