Cytotechnology
School of Health Technology and Management
Stony Brook University

Technical Standards in Cytotechnology
for Admission and Retention

Procedure

• These essential functions are presented to the applicant in terms that the individual will fully understand so that the student knows what is expected in order to complete the Cytotechnology Program curriculum of study.
• Students accepting an offer of admission to the Cytotechnology Program at Stony Brook University are required to sign a Certification Form confirming their understanding and ability to carry out the Technical Standards with or without reasonable accommodation.
• If a prospective student has any questions pertaining to Technical Standards, they are to contact the Cytotechnology department at Stony Brook University.

Technical Standards in Cytotechnology for Admission and Retention

Stony Brook University (SBU) complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a prospective student who is otherwise qualified requires a reasonable accommodation, they should contact Disability Support Services at SBU. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

The technical standards outlined below (“Technical Standards”), in conjunction with established academic standards, are followed by the Admissions Committee to select students who possess the intelligence, integrity, physical, and personal as well as emotional characteristics that are necessary to become an effective Cytotechnologist. The Cytotechnology program and Stony Brook University must maintain the integrity of the curriculum and preserve those elements deemed essential to the education of a cytotechnologist. The Cytotechnology Program and Stony Brook University cannot compromise the health and safety of others and reserve the right not to admit any applicant who cannot meet the Technical Standards or who would constitute a direct threat to the health and safety of others, e.g., those individuals who are currently impaired by alcohol or substance abuse cannot meet the Technical Standards.

Granting of the Cytotechnology degree signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into the practice of cytotechnology. Therefore, it follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to practice as cytotechnologists in a broad variety of clinical situations and settings. Candidates must also have the physical and emotional stamina to function in a competent manner in educational and practice settings that may involve heavy workloads and stressful situations. Accordingly, candidates for the degree must be able to perform specific essential functions that the faculty deem requisite for the practice of cytotechnology.

The Cytotechnology Program at Stony Brook University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Students preparing for a career in cytotechnology are expected to perform cytologic testing safely and accurately. Students must be able to perform the following essential functions. The Technical Standards include:

Observational Skills

Sufficient visual acuity to be able to:

• Distinguish various characteristics in the microscopic evaluation of cellular samples by the evaluation of differences in staining intensity, resolution of fine details, and the ability to see in three dimensions.
• Inspect cytologic specimens for volume, consistency, and adequacy.
• Detect, clearly mark, differentiate, and diagnose the presence or absence of disease microscopically in cytologic samples

Physical and Motor Skills

Sufficient physical and motor skills to be able to:

• Evaluate, for prolonged periods of time, cytologic material seen through the lens of a microscope.
• Safely operate and maintain clinical cytology equipment.
• Perform the daily tasks of a cytotechnologist including preparing samples for evaluation and screening cytologic slides using a microscope.

Communication Skills

Sufficient communication skills to be able to:

• Maintain a cooperative and productive working relationship with other members of the health care team.
• Comprehend, in English, information developed through classroom discussions, reading assignments, and clinical experiences.
• Effectively discuss diagnostic results or microscopic findings with fellow students, teachers, cytotechnologists, physicians, and other laboratory personnel.

Intellectual Skills

Sufficient intellectual skills to be able to:

• Learn to make sound judgments and appropriately diagnose cytologic material by correlating clinical information with microscopic findings.
• Prioritize assignments and screening workload to be able to complete them in a timely manner.
• Maintain intellectual and emotional stability, appropriate performance standards, and ethical standards while working under stressful situations.