Goals & Outcomes
Goals for the Diagnostic Cytology Program
The overall goal of the diagnostic cytology program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is: “To prepare competent entry-level cytologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.”
Cognitive (knowledge) is addressed through the following:
- Lectures
- Reading assignments
- Multi-headed microscope sessions
- Individual microscope sessions
- Class room assignments (case studies, vocabulary lists, etc.)
- Written Exams
- Image Exams
- Screening Exams
- Evaluations given by faculty
Psychomotor (skill) is addressed through the following:
- Microscopic techniques
- Screening techniques
- Preparatory techniques
- Practical exams
- Slide screening exams
- Attending patient procedures – (making preps at bedside)
- Evaluations by faculty
Affective (behavior) is addressed through the following:
- Students given policies for program
- Ethics lecture
- Professionalism lecture (guest speaker for UNMC)
- Interaction with other health care professionals
- Evaluation by clinical staff during practicum
- Evaluations by faculty during didactic portion
Class of 2025 Achievements
- Highest Distinction – 8 students
- High Distinction – 5 students
- Distinction – 1 student
ASCP Board of Certification Exam scores
Year |
Pass Rate (UNMC) |
Mean scaled scores |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
1st time Pass Rate |
Within 1 year of Graduation |
UNMC |
National |
|
| 2025 CT | 92.31% | 100% | 559 | 497 |
| 2025 SCT | 100% | N/A | 568 | 566 |
| 2024 CT | 100% | NA | 586 | 514 |
| 2024 SCT | 89% | - | 569 | 572 |
| 2023 CT | 100% | N/A | 543 | 515 |
| 2023 SCT | 93% | 93%* | 547** | 564** |
Mean scaled scores for CT were compared from Dec 20, 2025 to April 5, 2026.
Mean scaled scores for SCT were compared from Dec 20, 2025 to March 20, 2026.
*Within one year of graduation, graduate took CT exam on 2nd attempt and passed
**National data includes for 2023. UNMC data includes for 2023 and 2024.