ascp bor exam committee · pdf file1 ct exam committee sue zaleski, ma sct(ascp) ascp bor...

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CT Exam CommitteeSue Zaleski, MA SCT(ASCP)

ASCP BOR Exam Committee Philosophy --

There shall be an Examination Committee for each discipline in which the BOR offers certifications or qualifications. This policy is devised to provide the greatest breadth and depth of knowledge that is needed to:– Develop appropriate items for the examinations– Achieve a balance between practitioners and

educators– Represent broad geographic regions of the country

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Cytotechnology Exam Committee

Mary Beth Adams, SCT(ASCP)Barbara Frain, SCT(ASCP), GuestMichael Henry M.D.Deanna Iverson, MHS, SCT(ASCP)HTL;V-ChairGregg Staerkel, M.D.Jim Stewart, III. M.D.Sue Zaleski MA, SCT(ASCP)HT; ChairJill Caudill M.Ed. SCT(ASCP)CM; GuestBarbara Benstein PhD. SCT(ASCP)CM

Liaison – Board of GovernorsSandra Giroux, MSA, SCT(ASCP)

Photo of committee

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Committee Meeting: June 2-4, 2007

Annual review– Statistics for CT and

SCT examinations– Suggested Reading List

No changes

– Content Outline Changed AGUS to AGCAdded anal cytology to “other” category

– All calibrated and experimental questions

Edits/deletions made

BOR Activities

Committee members classify exam questions and images using the new item banking software

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TECHNOLOGIST IN CYTOTECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

2004 2005 2006 2007

Exams Given 319 262 266 246

Mean (SD) 510 (105) 537 (104) 533 (90) 511 (107)

Mean (SD) Logits .90 (.70) 1.08(.70) 1.06(.60) .91 (.72)

Standard Error Logits .22 .22 .22 .22

Pass Rate 272/319 (85%)

234/262 (89%)

247/266 (93%)

210/246(85%)

Fail Rate 47/319 (15%)

28/262 (11%)

19/266 (7%)

36/246(15%)

Pass Rate (1st Attempts) 260/288 (90%)

217/231(94%)

236/248(95%)

202/228(89%)

Pass Rate (1st Attempt CAAHEP)

260/288(90%)

217/ 231(94%)

236/ 248(95%)

202/228(89%)

Pass Rate (Repeaters) 12/31 (39%)

17/31(55%)

11/18 (61%)

8/18(44%)

Minimum 118 267 282 198

Maximum 762 819 779 784

Candidate Separation Reliability .90 .90 .87 .91

SPECIALIST IN CYTOTECHNOLOGY SUMMARY 2004 2005 2006 2007

Exams Given 35 25 19 10

Mean (SD) 487(89) 482(105) 517(80) 442 (87)

Mean (SD) Logits .82(.60) .79(.70) 1.02(.54) .52 (.58)


Pass Rate 31/35(89%)

20/25(80%)

19/19(100%)

5/10(50%)

Fail Rate 4/35 (11%)

5/25 (20%) - 5/10

(50%)


18/22 (82%)

19/19(100%)

5/9(56%)


2/3 (67%) - 0/1

(0%)

Minimum 259 204 401 342

Maximum 650 695 672 588


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SCT Exam

The trend shows fewer CTs taking the examinationEffect on exam– validation of questions difficult

Why take the SCT exam?– personal satisfaction– CM units awarded– potential role in state licensure– discerns between entry-level and advanced-level

competenciesFor example SEIU and UIHC negotiated $500 one time recognition award for demonstration of advanced level competencies

Practice Analysis

“ As the basis for content validity of a credentialing examination, the job analysis report is perhaps the single most important document in the credentialing testing process”

Jim Henderson (1996)

Job analysis. In A. H. Browning, A. C. Bugbee, & M. A. Mullins (eds.), Certification: A NOCA handbook, 41-66. Washington, DC: NOCA.

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Practice Analysis

Job AnalysisPurpose– To accurately describe the job of interest– To assure validity of the examination

Practice Analysis: Process

1. Define the Critical Domains of the Profession2. Prepare the Task Inventory3. Develop the Sample for the analysis4. Pilot test the Task Inventory5. Distribute the Task Inventory6. Collect the Data7. Analyze the Data8. Prepare Final Report

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What’s Next?

The committee will:

Develop basic molecular questions and

Monitor technology using virtual microscopy to test locater skills.

The results of the practice analysis may influence the domains of the Content Outline as well as the exam content.

Thank You!

ASCP Board of Registry

Barbara D. Benstein, Ph.D., SCT(ASCP)CM

Board of Governors

ASCP BOR Mission Statement

Provide excellence in certification of

laboratory professionals on behalf of

patients worldwide

ASCP BOR Board of Governors

– 10 representatives from ASCP– Representatives from 7 participating societies

AABBAmerican Association for Clinical ChemistryAmerican Association of Pathologists’AssistantsAmerican Society for CytopathologyAmerican Society of HematologyClinical Laboratory Management AssociationNational Society for Histotechnology

– 2 public members

BOR Certifications

Generalist Certifications: MT, MLT, MTi, MLTi

Categorical Certifications: CT, HT, HTL, PBT, PBTi, BB, H, M, MP, MPi, and DPT

Specialist Certifications: HP, PA, SBB, SC, SCT, SH, SLS, SM, SV

Diplomate Certification: DLM

Qualifications– Immunohistochemistry– Cytometry– Laboratory Informatics– Laboratory Compliance

MP Examinees: CT and SCT

YEAR TOTAL PASS PASS% FAIL FAIL%

2003 12 12 100.00% 0 0.00%2004 21 9 42.86% 12 57.14%2005 10 6 60.00% 4 40.00%2006 13 6 46.15% 7 53.85%2007 16 10 62.50% 6 37.50%2008 5 0 0.00% 5 100.00%

TOTAL 77 43 55.84% 34 44.16%

ANSI Accreditation: BOR Approval Continued

Site Visit: May 2008

The BOR is proud to report that on September 8, 2008 the Personnel Certification Accreditation Committee voted to continue our ANSI Accreditation.

Friday, March 9th, 2007, the ASCP Board of Registry (BOR) was awarded accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the maximum period of five years.

First time in history of the BOR (1928) that the certification programs have been accredited.

ANSI accreditation is a significant rigorous process (on-site review, etc.)

NCA– The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of

Registry (ASCP-BOR) and The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) have reached an agreement on the formation of a unified credentialing agency.

– A Task Force for Transition has been established and the Memorandum of Understanding is being crafted detailing the agreement.

BOR Accomplishments 2007-2008

Certification Maintenance Program (Mandatory)

CMP Participation Jan thru Dec 2007 by Category

0100200300400500600700800900

100011001200130014001500160017001800190020002100

BB 68% C 72% CT 78% H 72% HT 76% HTL 71% M 94% MLT 55% MP 90% MT 81% PBT 27%Categories

CMP Total Certified

International– Expanded global program from five countries to 28.

Additionally, new ASCP-BOR Advisory Boards have been established in Taiwan and Singapore.

– As of September 4, 2008, the total number of international applicants for all international categories (international MT, MLT, MP, PBT) was 1207.

– Developed the International Certification Report (ICR) for all stakeholders.


International Certification

Countries currently approved:South Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong, Guyana, Panama, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

International Exams Offered:* MT(ASCPi)MLT(ASCPi)MP(ASCPi)PBT(ASCPi)

* Now also approved for CA Licensure!

Licensure Contracts– In New York, ASCP BOR certification has been approved for

“deemed status” for our exams to comply with licensure for MT, MLT, CT. Contracts with New York have been signed for providing MT exams for 15 months and CT exams for 5 years. New York is mandated to enter into an RFP process for selecting a long term exam provider for MT and the BOR will be working with the State to proactively obtain information to participate in that process.

– The ASCP BOR California application for “Certifying Organization Examination Approval” for Technologist in Chemistry, Technologist in Microbiology, Specialist in Chemistry and Specialist in Microbiology examinations was approved by the California Department of Health Services on February 29th.Total Licensure Applications: 109


Research and Development Studies

Conducting Scope of Practice Analysis– MT/MLT– PA– CT

Needs Assessment– Flow Cytometry– Cell Therapy

Future Role of Cytotechnologists– Large Study

Relationship: Certification and Lab Errors

CT Exam CommitteeSue Zaleski, MA SCT(ASCP)

ASCP BOR Exam Committee Philosophy --

There shall be an Examination Committee for each discipline in which the BOR offers certifications or qualifications. This policy is devised to provide the greatest breadth and depth of knowledge that is needed to:– Develop appropriate items for the examinations– Achieve a balance between practitioners and

educators– Represent broad geographic regions of the country

Cytotechnology Exam Committee

Mary Beth Adams, SCT(ASCP)Barbara Frain, SCT(ASCP), GuestSandra Giroux, MSA, SCT(ASCP)Michael Henry M.D.Deanna Iverson, MHS, SCT(ASCP)HTL;V-ChairGregg Staerkel, M.D.Jim Stewart, III. M.D.Sue Zaleski MA, SCT(ASCP)HT; ChairJill Caudill M.Ed. SCT(ASCP)CM; GuestBarbara Benstein PhD. SCT(ASCP)CM

Liaison – Board of Governors

Committee Meeting: June 2-4, 2007Annual review– Statistics for CT and SCT

examinations– Suggested Reading List

No changes

– Content Outline Changed AGUS to AGCAdded anal cytology to “other” category

– All calibrated and experimental questions

Edits/deletions made

– Classified exam questions & images using the new item banking software

TECHNOLOGIST IN CYTOTECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

2004 2005 2006 2007

Exams Given 319 262 266 246

Mean (SD) 510 (105) 537 (104) 533 (90) 511 (107)

Mean (SD) Logits .90 (.70) 1.08(.70) 1.06(.60) .91 (.72)


Pass Rate 272/319 (85%)

234/262 (89%)

247/266 (93%)

210/246(85%)

Fail Rate 47/319 (15%)

28/262 (11%)

19/266 (7%)

36/246(15%)


217/231(94%)

236/248(95%)

202/228(89%)

Pass Rate (1st Attempt CAAHEP)

260/288(90%)

217/ 231(94%)

236/ 248(95%)

202/228(89%)


17/31(55%)

11/18 (61%)

8/18(44%)

Minimum 118 267 282 198

Maximum 762 819 779 784


SPECIALIST IN CYTOTECHNOLOGY SUMMARY 2004 2005 2006 2007

Exams Given 35 25 19 10

Mean (SD) 487(89) 482(105) 517(80) 442 (87)

Mean (SD) Logits .82(.60) .79(.70) 1.02(.54) .52 (.58)


Pass Rate 31/35(89%)

20/25(80%)

19/19(100%)

5/10(50%)

Fail Rate 4/35 (11%)

5/25 (20%) - 5/10

(50%)


18/22 (82%)

19/19(100%)

5/9(56%)


2/3 (67%) - 0/1

(0%)

Minimum 259 204 401 342

Maximum 650 695 672 588


SCT Exam

The trend shows fewer CTs taking the examinationEffect on exam– validation of questions difficult

Why take the SCT exam?– personal satisfaction– CM units awarded– potential role in state licensure– discerns between entry-level and advanced-level

competenciesFor example SEIU and UIHC negotiated $500 one time recognition award for demonstration of advanced level competencies

Practice Analysis

“ As the basis for content validity of a credentialing examination, the job analysis report is perhaps the single most important document in the credentialing testing process”

Jim Henderson (1996)

Job analysis. In A. H. Browning, A. C. Bugbee, & M. A. Mullins (eds.), Certification: A NOCA handbook, 41-66. Washington, DC: NOCA.

Practice Analysis

Job AnalysisPurpose– To accurately describe the job of interest– To assure validity of the examination

Practice Analysis: Process

1. Define the Critical Domains of the Profession2. Prepare the Task Inventory3. Develop the Sample for the analysis4. Pilot test the Task Inventory5. Distribute the Task Inventory6. Collect the Data7. Analyze the Data8. Prepare Final Report

Practice Analysis

Preliminary Results

What’s Next?

The committee will:develop basic molecular questions andmonitor technology using virtual microscopy to test locater skills.

The Future of Cytotechnology

The Future ofCytotechnology

A Peek behind the Curtain

E. Blair Holladay, Ph.D.,

SCT(ASCP)CM

Vice President for Scientific ActivitiesExecutive Director, Board of RegistryAmerican Society for Clinical Pathology

“You can't wait for inspiration. You have togo after it with a club.”

Jack London

ASCP Cytotechnology Workforce Survey

(Completed 8-15-08)

N= 1530 Cytotechnologists responded

Current Environment

Retire or Leave Field

Number Percent % Rank

Less than 3 years 129 8.4 4.5

3 – 5 years 129 8.4 4.5

5 – 10 years 261 17.1 2

More than 10 years 736 48.1 1

Don’t know 243 15.9 3

Did not answer 32 2.1

Total 1530

Retirement or Leaving the FieldTable 1

GYN Volume Number Percent Rank

Increasing 353 23.1 3Decreasing 481 31.4 2Stable 550 35.9 1Don’t

know 85 5.6 4

Did not answer 61 4

Total 1530

GYN VolumeTable 2

Non-Gyn Volume Number Percent Rank

Increasing 592 38.7 2

Decreasing 102 6.7 4

Stable 618 40.4 1

Don’t know 161 10.5 3


Total 1530

Non-GYN Volume

FNA Volume Number Percent Rank

Increasing 625 40.8 1

Decreasing 88 5.8 4

Stable 531 34.7 2

Don’t know 229 15 3


Total 1530

FNA Volume

Changes in Cytotechnologists’ Duties

Table 5

ChangesAdded Deleted No Change No Answer

TotalN % N % N % N %Grossing

tissues 57 3.7 50 3.3 1163 76.3 260 17 1530

Histology functions 115 7.5 47 3.1 1111 72.6 257 16.8 1530

Molecular testing 354 23.1 41 2.7 918 60 217 14.2 1530

Cytoprep 342 22.4 62 4.1 991 64.8 135 8.8 1530

Pap Tests per Day Number Percent Rank

0 176 11.5 4

1-30 360 23.5 2

31-60 506 33.1 1

61-80 292 19.1 3

More than 80 147 9.6 5


Total 1530

Pap TestsTable 6

Future Trajectory of CT Scope of Duties

Four Emerging Areas for Cytotechnologists

• Molecular Pathology [FISH (Her2, UroVysion Bladder tests, and tumor FISH probes)] HPV, CF

–Developing model is to have a mix of CT/ MT with molecular expertise to manage, oversight, interpret and/or perform the testing.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (including EUS)

• Administrative Work

• Laboratory Information Systems

“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint

on it you can.”Danny Kaye

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CPRC ReportCPRC ReportProgram Faculty SeminarProgram Faculty Seminar

November 7, 2008November 7, 2008ASC 56ASC 56thth Annual Scientific MeetingAnnual Scientific Meeting

Cytotechnology Programs Review CommitteeCytotechnology Programs Review CommitteeMaria A. Friedlander, M.P.A., CT(ASCP)CMIAC Maria A. Friedlander, M.P.A., CT(ASCP)CMIAC -- ChairChair

Robert Robert GoulartGoulart M.D. M.D. –– ViceVice--ChairChairDonna Russell, M.S., SCT(ASCP), CMIACDonna Russell, M.S., SCT(ASCP), CMIAC

Donald Donald SchnitzlerSchnitzler, B.S. CT(ASCP), B.S. CT(ASCP)Donald Simpson PhD., M.P.H., CT(ASCP)Donald Simpson PhD., M.P.H., CT(ASCP)

Stanley Radio, M.D.Stanley Radio, M.D.TalaatTalaat TadrosTadros, M.D., M.D.

Nancy Smith, MS, SCT(ASCP)CMIACNancy Smith, MS, SCT(ASCP)CMIACASC Commissioner to CAAHEPASC Commissioner to CAAHEP

KalyaniKalyani NaikNaik, M.S., SCT(ASCP)CMIAC, M.S., SCT(ASCP)CMIACAlternate ASC Commissioner to CAAHEPAlternate ASC Commissioner to CAAHEPDebby Debby MacIntyreMacIntyre –– CPRC CoordinatorCPRC Coordinator

Sondra Sondra FlemmingFlemming –– CAAHEP LiaisonCAAHEP Liaison

20072007--08 CPRC Activities08 CPRC Activities•• Reviewed programs undergoing selfReviewed programs undergoing self--study study

reviews and made accreditation reviews and made accreditation recommendations to CAAHEPrecommendations to CAAHEP–– 9 self9 self--study reviewsstudy reviews–– 4 site visits4 site visits–– 3 accreditation recommendations to CAAHEP3 accreditation recommendations to CAAHEP

•• Reviewed 7 requests for program changesReviewed 7 requests for program changes•• Participated in CAAHEP meetingsParticipated in CAAHEP meetings•• Revised and conducted Annual Programs Data Revised and conducted Annual Programs Data

Survey and analyzed all resultsSurvey and analyzed all results

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CT Program Data (1998-2008)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

# P

rog

ram

s# of Programs (October) # of Active Programs # of Inactive Programs # of Closed Programs

38/68%

42/69%

47/71%48/70%48/75%49/76%48/76%48/76%48/77%

51/82%56/79%

4512343

(Enrollment)

1

26

15

16

7(12)

3

9

3

5

8210

28

9

4

12

12

8

4

8

6

8

6

5

2

332 available spaces; 223 filled (67%)CT Programs and Enrollment Data

3

2

111

2

1

11

1

1

CT Program Closures 2004-2008

Projected # CT Programs (2007 - 2018)

42

38

29

20

11

20

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Year

# Pr

ogra

ms

4

Summary of Outcomes DataSummary of Outcomes Data

80%

80%

50%

50%

80%

75%

80%

ThresholdThreshold

95.81% (35)96.61% (39)Employer Satisfaction Rate

94.02% (35)96.98% (39)Graduate Satisfaction Rate

75.55% (35)78.77% (39)Employer Return Rate

76.37% (35)81.21% (39)Graduate Survey Return Rate

94.93% (42)95.86% (39)BOR Pass Rate

90.07% (42)90.04% (40)Job Placement

91.32% (42)91.60% (40)Student Retention

20062006--200420043-yr average (#programs)

20072007--200520053-yr average (#programs)

OutcomeOutcome

Summary of Outcomes DataSummary of Outcomes Data

14149Number of Programs NOT meeting thresholds

26612

414

•Student retention•Job placement

•Graduate/Employer Survey Return Rate•Graduate / Employer Satisfaction

•BOR Pass rate

282829Number of Programs met or exceeded thresholds

200620072007

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Other DataOther Data

8 slides / hour8 slides / hour7.4 slides/ hourHourly Rate

GYN 7Non-GYN 5FNA 4TOTAL 9

Maximum # of Hours Screening

GYN 46Non-GYN 25FNA 24TOTAL 57

Minimum # of Slides Screened at End of Program

200620072007

Average Starting Hourly SalaryAverage Starting Hourly Salary

$20.67 to $22.90$20.67 to $22.90

$21.57 to $23.70$21.57 to $23.70

$21.77 to $24.70$21.77 to $24.70$22.02 to $25.39

2004 2004 (112 students)(112 students)




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CommentsComments•• Continue to provide leadership for Continue to provide leadership for

programsprograms•• Continue to support communication Continue to support communication

between programs & CAAHEPbetween programs & CAAHEP• Continue to circulate any pertinent data

and be available to answer questions•• Continue CT listserv for educatorsContinue CT listserv for educators•• Provide info about availability concerning Provide info about availability concerning

learning resourceslearning resources

•• Request support and approval for additional Request support and approval for additional student capacity/enrollmentstudent capacity/enrollment

• Create online study set slides for GYN and NGYN for cytotechnology program students. In addition, a DVD/CD of all cytoprep procedures commonly performed in a laboratory as well as molecular techniques.

• CPRC to act as an advocate for programs by requesting that the ASC grant some form of reduced pricing on the Teleconferencing Program to Cytotechnology Programs.

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• Need more applicants to ensure that our program will not be cut due to low enrollment. Positive press about the profession would be very helpful.

• Some of our area cytotechnologists are concerned about the decline of the Pap test and increased productivity with the Imager limiting jobs. This unease can have a negative effect on students who are considering entering the profession

• Can the CPRC have a discussion with CAAHEP on how we can make cytotech programs more effective in training students that would have the skills needed to be eligible to take other certification exams in clinical laboratory medicine and thus be cross trained to fill some of the many vacant position for med techs?

•• Changes to curriculum initiated by Changes to curriculum initiated by several programsseveral programs–– OnOn--line molecular diagnostics line molecular diagnostics

coursecourse–– BachelorBachelor’’s to Masters degree s to Masters degree

programprogram–– Specialist in Anatomic PathologySpecialist in Anatomic Pathology

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Standards RevisionStandards Revision

•• Time FrameTime Frame–– First Draft for comment (Feb/Mar 2009)First Draft for comment (Feb/Mar 2009)

•• EntryEntry--level competencieslevel competencies–– First Draft for comment (Summer/Fall 2009)First Draft for comment (Summer/Fall 2009)

III. Resources

C. CurriculumThe curriculum must ensure the achievement of program goals and learning domains. Instruction must be an appropriate sequence ofclassroom, laboratory, and clinical activities. Instruction must be based on clearly written course syllabi that include course description, course objectives, methods of evaluation, topic outline, and competencies required for graduation. (Note to CoAs: Specify curriculum content (discipline topics, general education, etc) as standards and/or guidelines, or a companion document readily accessible to the communities of interest. CAAHEP is committed to the inclusion of emergency preparedness (EP) content in the curriculum as appropriate to the profession and encourages CoAs to include appropriate EP content as standards and/or guidelines, or in the companion document.)

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A. Publications and Disclosure1. Announcements, catalogs, publications, and advertising must accurately reflect the program offered.2. At least the following must be made known to all applicants and students: the sponsor’s institutional and programmatic accreditation status as well as the name, mailing address, web site address, and phone number of the accrediting agencies; admissions policies and practices, including technical standards (when used); policies on advanced placement, transfer of credits, and credits for experiential learning; number of credits required for completion of the program; tuition/fees and other costs required to complete the program; policies and processes for withdrawal and for refunds of tuition/fees.3. At least the following must be made known to all students: academic calendar, student grievance procedure, criteria for successful completion of each segment of the curriculum and for graduation, and policies and processes by which students may perform clinical work while enrolled in the program.4. The sponsor must maintain, and provide upon request, current andconsistent information about student/graduate achievement that includes the results of one or more of the outcomes assessments required in these Standards.

The sponsor should develop a suitable means of communicating to the communities of interest the achievement of students/graduates.

ascp bor exam committee · pdf file1 ct exam committee sue zaleski, ma sct(ascp) ascp bor...

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