What is a Cytotechnologist?

Example of Cytotechnologist Job 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

• Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
• Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
• Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
• Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
• Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
• Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.

Cytotechnologist Skills

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.

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.

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

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

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Cytotechnologist Jobs

• Cytopathology Technologist
• Cytotechnologist/Cytology Supervisor
• Cytotechnologist Supervisor
• Technical Specialist, Cytology
• Senior Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologist Employment Estimates

In the United States, there were 171,400 jobs for Cytotechnologist in 2016. 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.

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 & Technology 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
• Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
• STARLIMS
• CPSI CPSI System
• Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
• Healthvision TDSynergy LIS
• 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
• GE Healthcare Centricity Laboratory
• HEX Laboratory Systems LAB/HEX
• Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
• LabSoft LabNet
• ClinLab LIS

How do I Become a Cytotechnologist?

What education is needed to be a Cytotechnologist?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Cytotechnologist?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.