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Career Exploration

Cytogenetic Technologists

Also called: Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS), Cytogenetic Technologist, Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp), Molecular Genetics Technologist

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • biology
  • chemistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • read and understand what is written

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns
  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Math

  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Investigative

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility

Object or component oriented development software

  • C++
  • Python

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Analytical or scientific software

  • Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
  • MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $57,380

Education

Bachelor's degree or certificate after college is usually needed.