SCT(ASCP) Eligibility Route 3: ASCP BOC Alignment with Program Director/Cytologist Expectations and Outcomes

Summary: Introduction: With the advent of Master's level cytology programs and an evolving scope of practice vetted by recent Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) approvals, the ASCP BOC developed a Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCP) eligibility route specifically suited to graduates from Master's level programs. The aims for this study were to illuminate the data-driven value derivatives of BOC-credentialed cytologists; as well as to assess the experiences from the newly developed SCT(ASCP) route and to offer insights, as well as support, for program directors, students, and cytologists. Materials and Methods: Quantitative descriptive assessments of ASCP BOC data sources provided insights for the career pathways and trajectories for CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) credentialed laboratory professionals. Optimization of workflows, access, communication, and engagement of cytology program directors was also assessed to align with program and graduates' expectations. Results: Cytologists were first ASCP BOC credentialed in 1957. By the end of 2023, 16,690 cytologists have achieved the CT(ASCP) credential, with an overall 2023 pass rate of 82%. The SCT(ASCP) credential was first provided to the laboratory professional marketplace in 1959. Specialist in Cytology volumes rose to 787 practitioners (total) by end of 2023, with a pass rate of 96% (2023). Data indicates that 9.6% of CT(ASCP) cytologists achieve additional ASCP BOC credentials, most commonly with the SCT(ASCP) credential. As an emerging development, graduates from the first ""Master of Diagnostic Cytology Program"" cohort at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) chose their primary credential exam as the SCT route 3 as a first-generation experience in late 2023, which resulted in an overall exam pass rate of 93%. The joint effort between the ASCP BOC and UNMC led to a successful SCT route 3 Exam Eligibility Verification and Program Performance Report Process. Conclusions: Collaborative connectivity between the ASCP BOC credentialing agency with program directors, regulatory bodies, practitioners, and students objectifies positive outcomes. Evidence of this study affirms that evolving practitioner models require collaborative insights to be shared by all partners.