Find Grad Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Cytotechnologist

Find Schools Near

What is a Cytotechnologist?

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

Life As a Cytotechnologist

  • Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
  • Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
  • Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms.
  • Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
  • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
  • Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.

Skills Needed to be a Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Specimen Preparation Assistant
  • Cytotechnologist Supervisor
  • Cytopathology Technologist
  • Senior Cytotechnologist
  • Cytology Manager

Job Demand for Cytotechnologists

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 171,400 jobs in the United States for Cytotechnologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19,800 new jobs for Cytotechnologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,900 job openings in this field each year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Cytotechnologist are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools do Cytotechnologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Cytotechnologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • MEDITECH software
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • CPSI CPSI System
  • Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
  • STARLIMS
  • Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
  • Antek HealthWare LabDAQ
  • Aspyra CyberLAB
  • CSS CLS-2000
  • Cerner Millennium PathNet
  • ClinLab LIS
  • Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
  • Comp Pro Med Polytech
  • Custom Software Systems StarLab
  • Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
  • EpicLab Laboratory Information System
  • Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
  • Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS

How do I Become a Cytotechnologist?

Education needed to be a Cytotechnologist:

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Graduate Schools Near You

Our school finder matches students with accredited graduate schools across the U.S. for free.