Recommendations of the European Advisory Committee of Cytotechnology and European Federation of Cytology Societies for Training and Education of Cytotechnologists in Europe

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Faced with changes in cytodiagnostics, cervical cancer screening programs, the introduction and application of new methods, the cytotechnological educational program requires the necessary changes and additions. Insufficient, uneven as well as inaccessible education of cytotechnologists in European countries was the basis for making these recommendations. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> The results of previous research and publications related to the currently available education of cytotechnologists in Europe, the needs and suggestions were given by the European Advisory Committee of Cytotechnology (EACC) and European Federation of Cytology Societies (EFCS) for optimal education of future generations of cytotechnologists were used in the preparation of these recommendations. The EACC and EFCS propose a 1-year education and training program divided into 3 modules: gynecological, nongynecological exfoliative, and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Training programs should be organized by an accredited university, preferably a combination of internal education in a cytology laboratory and theoretical education at the university. Cytopathologists and cytotechnologists with at least 5 years of work experience in cytodiagnostics should participate in education. Upon completion of the training program, the EACC and EFCS propose an official name: EFCS certified cytotechnologist. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> The EACC and EFCS believe that it is extremely important that these recommendations are recognized and implemented by institutions that provide education for cytotechnologists so that they can meet the growing requirements of the profession with their acquired knowledge and competencies.

Inter‐ and intraobserver agreement in whole‐slide digital ThinPrep samples of low‐grade squamous lesions of the cervix uteri with known high‐risk HPV status: A multicentric international study

“…6 Although cytology still has a main role in cervical screening, different challenges need to be faced by the cytological community in the future. In the spite of efforts to promote the training of cytotechnicians, 44 experienced cytologists are getting older and it will be increasingly difficult to replace them, particularly considering the suboptimal attention devoted to cytopathology education in most academic settings. Thus, the development of new digital systems based on whole-slide technology seems very promising.…”

Quality Assessment of Cervical Cytology Practices in Estonia From 2007 to 2018

“…The importance of high standard training and education for cytotechnologists has been recently raised by the European Advisory Committee of Cytotechnology and the European Federation of Cytology Societies. 16 Due to known variations in qualification, methods, quality, level of education and the profession recognition, and the shift from conventional cervical cytology to HPV screening, it is crucial to harmonize the educational programs for cytotechnologists in Europe. Estonia would benefit from this proposal since, until now, the main training for cervical cytology reading will take place in the laboratories on an individual level.…”

Optimizing schools of cytology: Discussions from the 2022 ASC/IAC Cytology Education Symposium, North American Strategies, and European Symbiosis

“…It is our hope that the information shared will be of relevance and importance to all educators and CT learners, no matter their countries of origin or geographies of practice. Information from this meeting builds upon prior sessions and publications 1–5 …”