Employer Expectations for the MS-Level Cytology Practitioner: A Regional Perspective

Abstract

Objectives: The specific aims of the study are to determine skillsets most valuable to regional employers of cytotechnologists and assess the employers' willingness to use graduating MS cytology practitioners in the expanded scope of practice. Methods: Data from the greater New York region were collected via a web-based survey distributed to a broad sample of laboratory professionals involved with hiring in a variety of institutions. Results: The three skillsets most important to New York employers and most employable are fine-needle aspiration adequacy assessment, regulatory acumen, and prescreening cell blocks. The skills that are of least important and least employable are prescreening high-volume tissue biopsy specimens and histology. Conclusions: The results of this survey shed light on regional employers' perspectives regarding the skillsets that are most important and marketable in the greater New York region and may be useful for subsequent curriculum development.