Cytotechnologists

Career Overview

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Also Known As

• Cytologist
• Cytology Applications Specialist
• Cytology Coordinator
• Cytotechnologist

Alternate Job Titles

• Certified Cytotechnologist
• Cytologist
• Cytology Applications Specialist
• Cytology Coordinator
• Cytology Technical Specialist
• Cytopathology Technologist
• Cytotechnologist

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
• Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
• Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
• Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
• Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
• Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
• Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Biology
• Medicine and Dentistry

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Active Listening
3. Critical Thinking

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Near Vision
• Inductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Finger Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Visual Color Discrimination

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Cautiousness
• Integrity
• Intellectual Curiosity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Achievement
• Recognition
• Independence
• Working Conditions
• Support

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration

Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Ansible software
• MEDITECH software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Word

Tools & Equipment

• Analytical balances
• Autoclaves
• Automatic coverslippers
• Automatic slide stainers
• Automatic tissue processors
• Beakers
• Centrifuge tubes
• Centrifuges
• Compound light microscopes
• Confocal microscopes
• Conical flasks
• Cytocentrifuges
• Desktop computers
• Digital cameras
• Distilled water units

Work Environment

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• E-Mail
• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.