What Do Cytotechnologist Do?

Cytotechnologist Definition 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

• Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
• Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
• Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
• Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
• Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
• Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms.

Cytotechnologist Required Skills

When polled, Cytotechnologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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

• Cytotechnologist
• Cytology Laboratory Manager (Cytology Lab Manager)
• Technical Specialist, Cytology
• Cytopathology Technologist
• Staff Cytotechnologist

Job Demand for Cytotechnologists

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.

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?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cytotechnologists:

• 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 to Become a Cytotechnologist

Education needed to be a Cytotechnologist:

How many years of work experience do I need?

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.