Scottish Cytology Training School

The Scottish Cytology Training School (SCTS) is a National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) Accredited Training Centre. The SCTS provides training and continuing professional development (CPD) for relevant professional staff in cervical cytology screening and associated work areas as part of the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme.

Scottish Cytology Training School Course Information

Please send completed application forms to: ggc.scts@nhs.scot

Scottish Cytology Training School Courses

Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®) – Minimum entry qualification

Trainee Cytoscreener – 4 GCSE’s

Trainee Biomedical Scientist – ‘A’ levels or equivalent to allow entry to a Health Profession Council (HPC) approved degree course or a recognised HPC/Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) approved degree.

Eligibility – All students must be employed in an NHSCSP Cytopathology department, as a trainee to undertake this course as part of the 2 year UK registration training.

Length of time in post: Learners should attend the introductory course ideally within the first 6 months of employment. Learners should spend a minimum of 6 weeks in the home laboratory learning how to set up as well as use a light microscope to visualise cells for interpretation and be familiar with normal cell morphology and basic infections.

NHSCSP – Registration: Prior to starting the introductory course pre-registration students must be registered by their employers with the NHSCSP Education office. The laboratory training officer (assessor) must also be registered prior to learners commencing their portfolio. This course is the first part of an intensive two year training plan for registration in Cytology which includes written portfolio work, slide logbook and attendance at compulsory courses at the training centre with a final one day external examination.

Follow –up Course in Gynaecological Cytology [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)

Course for candidates who have previously attended the NHSCSP Introductory Course in Gynaecological Cytology. This normally takes place between 6 to 12 months after the Introductory Course.

Pre-examination Course [NHSCSP Diploma] – (Thinprep®)

The introductory and follow up courses are supported by a pre-examination course. This normally takes places between 3 months and 3 weeks before the examination.