A recent study defined luck as a matter of being open to opportunities rather than random fortune.1 Based on this notion that luck favors the prepared, one might conclude that networks help provide opportunities and thereby increase the amount of luck an individual experiences. The problem however is that many cytotechnologists avoid networking because they think only the aggressive, fearless, and extroverted will be successful in doing so.  

Results of Membership Survey based on Recommendations from CLIAC and PT Workgroup

On behalf of the American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT), representing cytotechnologists, we respectfully request that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider our comments and suggestions for the implementation of a more cost effective, valid and equitable Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT) program.  Assuming that the PT program continues, we additionally request that the PT program continue to be conducted on an educational basis and without punitive sanctions until consensus and regulatory revisions are achieved. 

Call for Nominations

Nominations are due December 20, 2006
Please include the following biographical data in form of a curriculum vitae:  Name of Nominee, Professional Certification, Education, and Professional Experience.  Also include one passport size black and white photograph and the name and address of the nominee’s local newspaper.  

Join ASCT for the 2007 Annual Conference April 27-29 in San Antonio for a TEXAS size celebration!  The conference will be held at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel on the world-famous River Walk during the fun-filled week of Fiesta!

National Cytotechnology Day Design Contest 2007

To commemorate
Dr. George Papanicolaou’s contributions to the field of medicine, May 13 – his birthday - has been designated National Cytotechnology Day (NCD).

Update from the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee

It’s been a busy year for the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee (LGA) and the primary focus has been Cytology Proficiency Testing. Much has been done and we are now waiting for actions from many outside the profession to see what our next steps will be.
Following the first year (2005) of testing with two vendors, Maryland and Midwest Institute for Medical Education, (MIME) the College of American Pathology (CAP), a third vendor gained approval. In February 2006, the ASCP acquired the MIME educational product line so there now are three approved options for testing.  Preliminary reports show that the initial test pass rates for 2006 are higher than pass rates for 2005.

Statement to the CLIAC

The cytotechnologist membership of the American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT) wishes to thank CLIAC for allowing this process to move forward and Dr. Soloman and the PT Workgroup for their recommendations. We request that the PT program continue to be conducted on an educational basis and without punitive sanctions until consensus has been reached

InCyte Pathology seeking Cytotechnologist in Spokane, WA

InCyte Pathology, located in Spokane, Washington, is recruiting for a cytotechnologist to join our dynamic Cytology department in our new, state-of-the-art facility. 
Position requirements include graduation from an accredited school of cytology and ASCP Registry Certification/ eligibility.  Our long-standing philosophy of quality in Pap testing allows for reasonable screening workloads for our cytotechnologists.

Proficiency Testing Update

The CLIAC met on September 20 and 21 in Atlanta. Most of the agenda focused on laboratory workforce issues. Cheryl Wiseman presented an update on PT and also reported on specialized surveys for Cytology labs (a contract held by ASCT Services, Inc.).

Important Notice to All: Certification Expiration in 2007  

If you were certified in 2004 as a Cytotechnologist (CT) or in one of the other entry-level categories, your certification is time limited and will expire in 2007. The expiration date of your certification is printed on your certificate. To maintain your certification, completion of the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) is mandatory.

Full time experience manager needed to be responsible for the technical over site as well as the financial and administrative aspects of the Histology and Cytology areas at our Northside Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio and Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio

General laboratory administrative experience is required.