News - Rutgers - School of Health Professions

Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of CLS&MIS

Diagnostic Cytopathology - Entry Level

DCYT5329 - Clinical Practicum II

Course Description

This course provides clinical practice in diagnostic cytology with focus on non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration cytologic specimens. Students will be involved in the microscopic examination and evaluation of conventional, liquid-based cytology cases from various body sites along with ancillary stains, cell block preparations. Students will assist with FNA procedures and Rapid-On Site Evaluation of samples. Students will also participate in observation sessions associated with companion diagnostics such as digital image analysis, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry and molecular diagnostics. Students are assigned to various clinical affiliates by the Program’s Education Coordinator/Program Director.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 4

4 credits/ Clinical Practice.
This course provides clinical practice in non-gynecologic cytology and fine needle aspiration screening and observation sessions in companion technologies. Students are assigned to clinical sites by the Education Coordinator/Program Director and report 7.5 hours/ 4 days per week for 390 hours and 3 to 4 hours for a 3-day observation session for a total of 402 clinical hours . Students are required to arrange their own transportation during the clinical rotations.

Prerequisites

DCYT 5239 Clinical Practicum I

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The goal of the course is to provide students with clinical practice in diagnostic interpretation of non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration cytologic material and observation of companion diagnostic technique preparation and interpretation in the cytology laboratory setting.

Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Analyze and correlate patient data with visualized cytologic findings along with recognizing the need for additional clinical data.
2. Demonstrate proper use and care of microscopic equipment as well as slide scanning techniques such as proper overlapping.
3. Differentiate between unsatisfactory and satisfactory conventional and liquid based non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration samples.
4. Evaluate cytologic samples including cell blocks and small tissue biopsies as to the degree of cellular abnormality utilizing all visualized cellular material.
5. Correlate diagnostic interpretation results with previous cytologic material, ancillary techniques, and histologic findings when applicable.
6. Demonstrate high statistical sensitivity and specificity while examining a minimum of 50 slides per day
7. Write an accurate report utilizing current non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration terminology.
8. Understand proper procedures for companion diagnostic processing and interpretative guidelines