These learning outcomes meet the Institute of Medicine's core competencies for
health care professionals, namely, the ability to provide patient-centered care, work in
interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice, apply quality improvement,
and utilize informatics. (Institute of Medicine.
Health Professions Education: A Bridge to
Quality.
Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press, 2003)
The graduate of the Rutgers master of science in diagnostic cytopathology program will be able to:
1.
Perform diagnostic cytology on gynecologic, nongynecologic, and fine needle
aspiration specimens to identify and determine specimen adequacy; cellular
constituents within normal limits; inflammatory, premalignant, and malignant
cellular changes; and effects of therapy.
2.
Use Rapid Onsite Evaluation (ROSE) to assess acceptability of specimens collected
by fine needle aspiration, perform locator-guided screening for gynecologic samples,
and use digital pathology to document findings.
3.
Perform high-complexity methods for detection and characterization of cancers
and pathogens by examining DNA, RNA, and other cellular components using
immunochemistry, flow cytometry, digital image analysis, fluorescence-in-situ
hybridization, polymerase chain reaction, other molecular methods, and emerging
diagnostics.
4.
Apply principles and practices of quality assurance/improvement, method
evaluation, management, regulatory compliance, critical thinking, and problem
solving to cytology laboratory services to reduce diagnostic errors, improve efficiency
and timeliness, and decrease costs.
5.
Critically review, appraise, and synthesize the cytology and health sciences literature.
6.
Identify and systematically investigate research questions to promote evidence-based
cytology practice.
7.
Use a variety of information technologies to address both theoretical and practical
problems, enhance communication, and disseminate knowledge to applicable
audiences and interest groups.
8.
Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication, using both
scholarly and technical formats, to work effectively in interprofessional teams.
9.
Participate in cytology and other health care professional organizations and the
cytology community-at-large through patient advocacy, volunteerism, education,
and research.
10.
Demonstrate appropriate professional relationships with diverse groups of patients,
peers, other health care professionals, faculty, and the public.
11.
Comply with professional codes of ethics and display ethical behavior in practice,
education, professional, and scholarly activities.
