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Career Exploration

Cytotechnologists

Also called: Cytologist, Cytology Applications Specialist, Cytology Coordinator, Cytotechnologist

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
  • Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
  • Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
On the job, you'll need:

Math and Science

  • biology

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • administrative services

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

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

Verbal

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

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Investigative

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

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Medical software

  • Fortius Lab Systems Clinical LIS
  • MEDITECH software

Expert system software

  • Ansible software

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.