Each year in the U.S., about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed.
Yet, 11.5% of the population isn't being screened. As birth professionals, we are often the first line of defense—meaning you need to be confident not only in collecting an adequate sample, but in knowing exactly what to do with the results.
Meet your Mentor
Augustine Colebrook
Retired CPM, MA-MCHS
Augustine Colebrook is a midwife, mentor, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience supporting midwives and birth professionals worldwide. Her career has been dedicated to improving maternity care through education, advocacy, and system change, while also mentoring the next generation to build sustainable and fulfilling practices.
Having witnessed firsthand the dysfunction, scarcity, and isolation that often burden the profession, Augustine has made it her mission to replace them with connection, wisdom, and practical tools for success. She draws on her extensive expertise in leadership, business, and midwifery to guide students and graduates toward confident, empowered, and lasting careers.
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FAQs
Do I need a practice speculum or model to attend?
No, but it’s highly recommended if you want to practice the physical technique alongside us. If you don’t have a clinical pelvic model, you can still participate using a standard speculum and a simple DIY setup (like a sturdy cup or hollowed fruit) to practice the mechanics of insertion and collection.
How does this class work online?
This is a live, interactive 90-minute class held via video. Augustine will demonstrate the step-by-step physical collection technique, and then walk you through visual assessment, ACOG screening guidelines, and result management. It’s an interactive lab where you can practice your hand movements, ask specific clinical questions, and get live feedback in a small group setting.
Is this a CEU course?
This lab is not a CEU course.
WHAT WE'RE COVERING
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The Collection Technique — Step-by-step guidance on how to conduct a Pap smear, from speculum insertion and finding the cervix to collecting an adequate sample (so you don't get an "Unsatisfactory" lab result).
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Screening Fundamentals — The crucial differences between a Pap smear (cell changes) and an HPV test (high-risk virus types 16 & 18), and knowing which to run.
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Decoding the Alphabet Soup — Translating complex pathology results into clear clinical steps. We'll break down exactly what ASC-US, AGC, LSIL, ASC-H, HSIL, and AIS actually mean.
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Next Steps & Referrals — Knowing exactly when to re-test (e.g., repeating in 6-12 months for ASC-US with negative HPV) vs. when to urgently refer for a colposcopy or biopsy.
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ACOG Guidelines Made Simple — The exact schedule of Pap/HPV screening for ages 21 to 65+, why we wait until 21 to start, and exactly when it's safe to stop screening altogether.
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Visualizing the Cervix — Spotting concerning lesions, differentiating them from benign changes or irritated yeast infections, and knowing when visual changes demand further testing.
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Biopsy Findings & Treatment Counseling — Understanding CIN grading (1 to 3) and reviewing post-biopsy treatments (LEEP, cold knife conization, laser therapy, and cryotherapy) so you can accurately prepare clients for next steps.
What you'll need...
This is a hands-on, interactive lab, so come ready to engage. You'll need:
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A standard speculum and cervical sampling tools (cytobrush, spatula, or broom).
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Something to practice on. You have options:
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A clinical pelvic model.
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A DIY substitute (like a rigid cup or hollowed fruit) just to practice the mechanics of opening the speculum and manipulating the brush.
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Note-taking materials and any questions you have about tricky lab results you've encountered in practice.
No need to buy anything specialized if you don't already have it. We'll send you specific instructions once you're registered.