RETRAINING PROGRAMS FOR PRACTICING CYTOTECHNOLOGISTS

A cytotechnology retraining program was developed to meet the special needs of practicing cytotechnologists in New Jersey and New York. These cytotechnologists were no longer qualified to practice in their profession because of changes in the rules and regulations governing licensed laboratories in New York. The retraining program model described incorporates components from an existing Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation-approved, university-based cytotechnology program and allows retrainees to receive credit when they have successfully completed comprehensive challenge examinations for certain courses. Graduates from this program meet New York state qualifications and are eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry certification examination for cytotechnologists. The program model described can be modified to meet a variety of retraining needs for cytotechnologists, including the retraining of inactive cytotechnologists who are required to update their theory and professional skills before reentering the job market.