Certificate of Higher Cervical Cytology Training
Certificate of Higher Cervical Cytology Training
A certificate awarded to a histopathologist who has trained for the standard period of 5 years, plus an additional 6 months in cervical cytology, and passed a more difficult exam in cervical cytology than pathologists who passed the standard RC-Path part 2 examination.The aims of this package are to:
• demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill consistent with practise as a consultant reporting cervical cytopathology specimens in the National Health Service;
• demonstrate the ability to report cervical smears independently;
• demonstrate a working knowledge of the cervical screening programme and the management of patients within that programme;
• develop experience of teaching cervical cytopathology to histopathology trainees; and to
• develop experience of involvement in cervical cancer MDTs.
Competencies required to complete package:
• Ability to report most cervical cytopathology specimens (including all grades of squamous and glandular abnormalities);
• Ability to appropriately refer for specialist/second opinion;
• Ability to demonstrate excellent time management and task prioritisation in relation to cervical screening specimens (including prioritisation of different cervical specimens for reporting, ongoing maintenance of training portfolio, etc.);
• Ability to function effectively in a cervical cancer MDT setting;
• Ability to teach in workplace and formal settings;
• Ability to interpret performance indicators routinely used in the NHS cervical screening programme;
•Ability to liaise with other professional agencies responsible for delivering Cervical Screening Programme.
Practical experience:
• Time spent in specialty—at least 3 months whole time equivalent in stage C, or, exceptionally, stage D of training at least 500 cervical cytopathology;
• Cytopathology specimens—specimens with an appropriate mix of normal and abnormal, the greater majority of which should be new screening samples, rather than teaching sets.
Assessments:
• Workplace-based assessments—4 in total, all directed (see Appendix 6);
• CHCCT (Certificate of Higher Cervical Cytopathology Training)—pass;
• Educational supervisor’s report—satisfactory.