1. (1) As used in this subdivision, acceptable accrediting agency shall mean an organization accepted by the department as a reliable authority for the purpose of accrediting cytotechnology programs, having accreditation standards that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for programs registered as leading to licensure as a cytotechnologist pursuant to section 52.39 of this Title, and applying its criteria for granting accreditation of programs in a fair, consistent, and nondiscriminatory manner.

2. (2) To meet the professional education requirement for admission to the licensing examination for cytotechnologists, the applicant shall present satisfactory evidence of:

   1. (i) holding a baccalaureate or higher degree awarded upon successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree program in cytotechnology registered as leading to licensure as a cytotechnologist pursuant to section 52.39 of this Title; or
   2. (ii) holding a baccalaureate or higher degree awarded upon successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree program in cytotechnology that is substantially equivalent to a program registered as leading to licensure as a cytotechnologist pursuant to section 52.39 of this Title as determined by the department, which program must be accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency or recognized by the appropriate civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the program is offered as a program that prepares the applicant for professional practice as a cytotechnologist, and must be designed and conducted by the degree-granting institution to prepare graduates to practice as cytotechnologists using independent judgment and responsibility; or

   3. (iii) both:

      1. (a) holding a baccalaureate or higher degree awarded upon successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree program in the major of biology, chemistry, or the physical sciences registered pursuant to Part 52 of this Title or its substantial equivalent as determined by the department; and

      2. (b) completing a credit bearing program in cytotechnology in addition to such baccalaureate or higher degree study that is registered as leading to licensure as a cytotechnologist pursuant to section 52.39 of this Title or substantially equivalent to such a registered program as determined by the department. Such equivalent program must be accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency or recognized by the appropriate civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the program is offered as a program that prepares the applicant for professional practice as a cytotechnologist, and must be designed and conducted by the degree-granting institution to prepare graduates to practice as a cytotechnologist using independent judgment and responsibility.

         (c) Time-limited professional education requirements for applicants applying for licensure as a cytotechnologist prior to September 1, 2013.

3. (1) As used in this subdivision, acceptable accrediting agency shall mean an organization accepted by the department as a reliable authority for the purpose of accrediting cytotechnology programs on a national or regional basis, as having reasonable accreditation standards, and as an organization that applies its criteria for granting accreditation of programs in a fair, consistent, and nondiscriminatory manner.

4. (2) To meet the professional education requirement for admission to the licensing examination for cytotechnologists, applicants who apply for licensure prior to September 1, 2013 may, as an alternative to satisfying the requirements of subdivision (b) of this section, present satisfactory evidence of meeting the requirements of one of the following subparagraphs:

   1. (i) holding a baccalaureate or higher degree awarded upon successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree program in cytotechnology or a related title which:

      1. (a) prepares graduates for employment as a cytotechnologist, as defined in Education Law, section 8601(2)(b);
      2. (b) contains didactic and clinical education that integrates pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services, including the principles and practices of quality assurance/quality improvement, and which is designed and conducted to prepare graduates to practice cytotechnology using independent judgment and responsibility; and
      3. (c) is registered by the department for general educational purposes but need not be specifically registered for licensure purposes, or is accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency, or is recognized by appropriate civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the program is offered as a program that prepares the applicant for professional practice as a cytotechnologist; or

   2. (ii) both:

      1. (a) holding a baccalaureate or higher degree awarded upon successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree program in the major of biology, chemistry, or the physical sciences registered pursuant to Part 52 of this Title or its substantial equivalent as determined by the department; and

      2. (b) completing a program which:

         1. (1) prepares graduates for employment as a cytotechnologist, as defined in Education Law, section 8601(2)(b);
         2. (2) contains didactic and clinical education that integrates pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical components of laboratory services, including the principles and practices of quality assurance/quality improvement, and which is designed and conducted to prepare graduates to practice cytotechnology using independent judgment and responsibility; and
         3. (3) is registered by the department for general educational purposes but need not be specifically registered for licensure purposes, or is accredited by an acceptable accrediting agency, or is recognized by the appropriate civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the program is offered as a program that prepares the applicant for professional practice as a cytotechnologist.
5. (d) To meet the professional education requirement for admission to the licensing examination for cytotechnologists, the applicant must also certify to the department that he or she has reviewed the rules and regulations of the New York State Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, relating to practice as a cytotechnologist in New York State, in accordance with written guidance from the department.

(a) Applicability.

For purposes of this section, applicants applying for licensure as a cytotechnologist prior to September 1, 2013, shall meet the professional education requirements for admission to the licensing examination set forth in either subdivision (b) or (c) of this section. Applicants applying for licensure as a cytotechnologist on or after September 1, 2013 shall meet the professional education requirements for admission to the licensing examination set forth in subdivision (b) of this section.

(b) General professional education requirements for applicants applying for licensure as a cythotechnologist.