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Shayla Stinnett, M.Ed., CT
Spotlight on the Cytology Program
| By Shayla Stinnett
For the past 57 years, students have studied cytotechnology, now called cytology, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences campus. Housed in the College of Health Professions in the Department of Laboratory Sciences, the program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience as vital members of the diagnostic team, specializing in cellular analysis to detect diseases like cancer and infections.
Beyond mastering microscopic examination, they learn to assist in specimen collection, including fine needle aspirations (FNAs), ensuring proper samples for cytology and ancillary tests such as molecular and immunocytochemical studies. Students also train in rapid on-site evaluations (ROSE), assessing sample adequacy in real-time and providing immediate feedback to guide additional collection if needed. Through this comprehensive training, students develop the skills necessary for accurate diagnoses and optimal patient care.
As program director and assistant professor in the Cytology program, I am particularly proud of the quality of education students receive. Our program focuses on the latest advancements in cytology, and we are committed to equipping our students with the most current techniques and knowledge.
We also value the newly updated equipment in their state-of-the-art labs. With our new equipment, students can conduct diagnostic procedures that reflect the current standard of care. This ensures they are more than ready when they enter the workforce.
There is a significant need for cytologists in today’s healthcare workforce, and UAMS is addressing this gap head-on. The demand for cytologists is high due to a national workforce shortage. The department and college have made significant efforts to expand clinical affiliations across the United States, providing students with access to exceptional education and clinical experience.
Andrew Prince, assistant professor, recently told me, “I like helping the students because it’s rewarding to see their progress from the first days through the end of the course, seeing how much they’re able to accomplish over their time here. I love Cytology because it opened up a new world of learning for me, being able to use what I know to help patients and get to see new and interesting medical cases at the same time.”
The department benefits from high-quality faculty and a robust support network within the College of Health Professions led by the college’s Dean Susan Long, Ed.D., and Nathan Johnson, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Laboratory Sciences.
Johnson said, “Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to the students. They are experts in their field, and they are passionate about ensuring that students receive the best possible education.”
Long recently expressed her pride and satisfaction in seeing the growth of the program.
“Ms. Stinnett, Mr. Prince, and our recruitment and admissions team have worked very hard to attract new students to the field. This is a hidden profession, and it takes dedicated effort to fill these classes. We understand the importance of training the next generation of healthcare professionals, and our faculty and staff have done a great job creating an environment where students can thrive. Under Ms. Stinnett’s leadership, the program is poised for continued success and innovation, helping address the critical demand for cytologists across the country.”