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Cytotechnologist

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Life As a Cytotechnologist

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

Daily Life Of a Cytotechnologist

  • Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
  • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
  • Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
  • Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms.
  • Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
  • Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.

Skills Needed to be a Cytotechnologist

Below is a list of the skills most Cytotechnologists say are important on the job.

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.

Other Cytotechnologist Job Titles

  • Cytotechnologist
  • Technical Specialist, Cytology
  • Cytology Manager
  • Cytotechnologist Supervisor
  • Cytology Supervisor

What Kind of Cytotechnologist Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 171,400 jobs for Cytotechnologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 12,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Tools & Technologies Used by Cytotechnologists

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 to Become a Cytotechnologist

What kind of Cytotechnologist requirements are there?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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