A proposal to change the professional title of cytotechnologist to “cytologist” would occur under new guidelines currently under review of an allied health accreditation body. The CAP has strongly opposed the name change for several reasons but the proposal has moved forward despite the CAP’s objections.

The CAP, as a sponsor of the Cytotechnology Programs Review Committee (CPRC), has worked with CPRC for several years on upcoming proposed changes to the standards for cytotechnology programs. Over CAP objection, the new standards currently under consideration by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) include a name change for the profession from cytotechnologist to “cytologist”.

Of greatest concern is that the name change from cytotechnologist to cytologist will create confusion throughout the health care system. Some, including patients, might mistake cytotechnologists using the “cytologist” name to be physicians. The term cytologist is indeed used by physicians in Europe to describe the practice of non-gynecological cytopathology.

The CAP also represents pathologists’ concerns on scope of practice issues. The AMA and the CAP have both prioritized fighting scope creep that tries to expand the scope of non-physician providers, which can confuse and ultimately endanger patients. The AMA recognizes across the house of medicine that name changes are often the first step in scope of practice expansions.

Other societies with blended memberships of pathologists and cytotechnologists such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the American Society of Cytopathology are supporting the title change.

Since August 2020, the CAP has communicated its opposition to the name change due to lack of baseline data that independently validated the necessity for the change. Furthermore, the impacts of the name change on the medical community have not been evaluated. Although CAP is listed as a sponsor for changes concerning the cytotechnologist program the CAP does not endorse the name change issue.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is seeking public comments on the proposed change by July 3, 2023. There will also be an in-person open hearing in Bloomington, Minnesota, on July 21, 2023. Virtual attendance is also allowed but registration is required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vdOqvrTsjGtZXmMWIFNzg3A8BtfAdEW8L#/registration.

The CAP is calling on its members to oppose the professional title change of cytotechnologists to cytologists. CAP members should take immediate action to provide public comments to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Follow these steps:

1. Click the link Access the Comment Collection Survey Tool here
2. Check the circle for Description of Profession (listed third) and click next
3. For the line number section, enter “50”
4. You can then copy and paste this comment and click next:
   As a pathologist I am concerned about the proposed cytology professional titles new designation of cytologist. I believe we need a strong cytotechnology workforce, but the name change is not a necessary step to achieve this objective. In this proposed change there are still outstanding questions about the standards and guidelines that have not been addressed or agreed to by all parties. Until there is baseline data independently validated regarding this change, I question the need to move forward. No action should be taken without the data to thoroughly evaluate the impact of this proposed change on the current and future medical community. Time would be better spent focusing on standardizing the cytotechnologist curriculum to ensure a sustainable supply of cytotechnologists. Moreover, consideration needs to be given to the costs associated with federal and state regulatory changes. Given the current reimbursement climate any additional cost will be detrimental to laboratory operations. For all of these reasons I oppose the proposed name change and strongly recommend you reconsider your decision.
5. Then click the first button for “I have completed my comments” and click next
6. Click done