Cytotechnologists

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

Tasks Include:

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.
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: No Data

National: No Data

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Zone:

Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Income Range:

No Data

Median Earnings:

National

No Data

State

No Data

Regional

Cytotechnologists

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

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

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Education

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree = 50%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 36.36%
Master's Degree = 13.64%

Related Work Experience

None = 45.45%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 27.27%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 9.09%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.09%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.55%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 4.55%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

None = 31.82%
Up to and including 1 month = 22.73%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 18.18%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.09%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.09%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 4.55%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 4.55%

On-the-Job Training

None or short demonstration = 27.27%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 22.73%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 18.18%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 13.64%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 9.09%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 9.09%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

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.
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Analytical balances
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Autoclaves)
Automated cover slipping equipment (Automatic coverslippers)
Histological staining apparatus (Automatic slide stainers)
Tissue processors (Automatic tissue processors)
Laboratory beakers (Beakers)
Centrifuge tubes
Benchtop centrifuges (Centrifuges)
Binocular light compound microscopes (Compound light microscopes)
Scanning light or spinning disk or laser scanning microscopes (Confocal microscopes)
Laboratory flasks (Conical flasks)
Benchtop centrifuges (Cytocentrifuges)
Desktop computers
Digital cameras
Distillation pipings or columns or fittings (Distilled water units)
Steam autoclaves or sterilizers (Electronic sterilizers)
Vacuum tube needles (Fine needles)
Microbiology analyzers (Flow cytometers)
Fluorescent microscopes
Laboratory funnels (Funnels)
Dropping pipettes (Glass pipettes)
Binocular light compound microscopes (Laboratory binocular microscopes)
General purpose refrigerators or refrigerator freezers (Laboratory refrigerators)
Water baths (Laboratory water baths)
Magnetic stirrers (Magnetic shakers)
Laboratory graduated cylinders (Measuring cylinders)
Histology paraffin (Paraffin dispensers)
Personal computers
Laboratory heaters (Radiant heaters)
Laboratory flasks (Round bottom flasks)
Microscope slide cabinets (Slide filing cabinets)
Stereo or dissecting light microscopes (Stereo microscopes)
Magnifiers (Stereoscopic magnifiers)

Technologies Include:

Medical software

Antek HealthWare LabDAQ
Aspyra CyberLAB
Cerner Millennium PathNet
Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
ClinLab LIS
Comp Pro Med Polytech
CPSI CPSI System
CSS CLS-2000
Custom Software Systems StarLab
Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
EpicLab Laboratory Information System
eTeleNext LIS
Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS
Fortius Lab Systems Clinical LIS
GE Healthcare Centricity Laboratory
Healthvision TDSynergy LIS
HEX Laboratory Systems LAB/HEX
Laboratory information system LIS software
LabSoft LabNet
McKesson Horizon Lab
Multidata Computer Systems MultiTech
NeTLIMS AutoLIMS Core Lab
Omnitech OMNILAB
Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
Psyche Systems LabWeb
Quality Software Systems LabHealth software
SCC Soft Computer SoftLab
Schuyler House SchuyLab
Seacoast Laboratory Data Systems SurroundLab Plus
Siemens NOVIUS Lab
STARLIMS
Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Special Requirements

Education and training:

The usual requirement for an entry-level position as a clinical laboratory technologist is a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences; however, it is possible to qualify for some jobs with a combination of education and on-the-job and specialized training. Universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs.

Bachelor's degree programs in medical technology include courses in chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics, and statistics, as well as specialized courses devoted to knowledge and skills used in the clinical laboratory. Many programs also offer or require courses in management, business, and computer applications. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act requires technologists who perform highly complex tests to have at least an associate degree.

Medical and clinical laboratory technicians generally have either an associate degree from a community or junior college or a certificate from a hospital, a vocational or technical school, or the Armed Forces. A few technicians learn their skills on the job.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) fully accredits about 479 programs for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, histotechnologists and histotechnicians, cytogenetic technologists, and diagnostic molecular scientists. NAACLS also approves about 60 programs in phlebotomy and clinical assisting. Other nationally recognized agencies that accredit specific areas for clinical laboratory workers include the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Licensure:

Some States require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. Licensure of technologists often requires a bachelor's degree and the passing of an exam, but requirements vary by State and specialty. Information on licensure is available from State departments of health or boards of occupational licensing.

Certification and other qualifications:

Many employers prefer applicants who are certified by a recognized professional association. Associations offering certification include the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. These agencies have different requirements for certification and different organizational sponsors.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
80.75	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
71.50	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
55.75	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
51.25	Administrative	Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Skills

%	Subject	Description
72.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
68.75	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.
68.75	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
56.25	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
53.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
53.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
50.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
50.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
50.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
50.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
75.00	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
72.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
68.75	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
68.75	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
65.50	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
65.50	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
65.50	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
59.50	Visual Color Discrimination	The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
56.25	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
56.25	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
53.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
53.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
50.00	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
50.00	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
50.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
50.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
50.00	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
86.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
79.75	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
79.75	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
72.75	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
72.75	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
71.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
63.75	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
61.25	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
59.00	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
58.25	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
56.75	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
53.50	Performing Administrative Activities	Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
52.25	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
52.25	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
51.25	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
97.75	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
92.00	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
92.00	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
84.00	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
78.50	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
70.50	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
69.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
67.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
66.00	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
64.75	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
64.75	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
63.75	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
58.00	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
77.83	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
66.67	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
66.67	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
58.33	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
55.50	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
96.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
93.60	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
93.60	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
93.60	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
91.40	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
90.40	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
90.00	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
88.60	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
86.60	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
85.80	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
84.60	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
83.60	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
80.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
78.20	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
77.20	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
75.40	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
71.80	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
71.00	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
70.40	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
67.20	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
61.00	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
61.00	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
59.00	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
55.40	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
51.80	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
50.40	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
50.00	Degree of Automation	How automated is the job?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Diagnostic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Health Science Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Biomedical Laboratory Services
Clinical Laboratory
Not Occupationally Qualified, General

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Documenting/Recording Information	4.5
Getting Information	4.0
Working with Computers	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	3.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	3.5
Processing Information	3.5
Analyzing Data or Information	3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.5
Performing Administrative Activities	3.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	3.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.0
Handling and Moving Objects	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	2.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.5
Coaching and Developing Others	2.5
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.5
Developing and Building Teams	2.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	2.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	2.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Thinking Creatively	2.0
Performing General Physical Activities	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.5
Selling or Influencing Others	1.5
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Titles

Certified Cytotechnologist
Cytologist
Cytology Manager
Cytopathology Technologist
Cytotechnologist

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Cytotechnologists

Related Schools

Averett University
Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Virginia Medical School
George Mason University
Mary Baldwin University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Radford University
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)