Career Overview
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Also Known As
- Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS)
- Cytogenetic Technologist
- Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp)
- Molecular Genetics Technologist
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Cytogenetic Technologist
- Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS)
- Cytogenetic Technician
- Cytogenetic Technologist
- Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp)
- Cytogenetics Technical Specialist
- Cytogenetics Technologist
- Cytologist
- Cytotechnician
- Flow Cytometry Specialist
- Flow Cytometry Technologist
- Genetic Technologist
- Laboratory Specialist (Lab Specialist)
- Laboratory Technologist (Lab Technologist)
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
- Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
- Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
- Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Category Flexibility
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Illustrator
- C++
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Python
Tools & Equipment
- 1 ml pipettes
- 10 ml pipettes
- 2 ml cryovials
- 25 ml pipettes
- 35m petri dishes
- 4 ml cryovials
- Automated imaging systems
- Automatic slide loading systems
- Bench-top autoclaves
- Benchtop drying chambers
- Binocular compound microscopes
- Biological containment hoods
- Biological safety cabinets
- Cell culture tubes
- Cell harvesters
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Time Pressure
- Frequency of Decision Making
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Histotechnologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Cytotechnologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Histology Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: Varies
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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.