Cytotechnologists

investigative patient information pathologist needle aspiration biological specimen cell sample condition abnormality

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.

Knowledge

Math and Science

  • biology

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • administrative services

Skills

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

Abilities

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

Personality

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

They do well at jobs that need:

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

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Medical software

  • Fortius Lab Systems Clinical LIS
  • MEDITECH software

Expert system software

  • Ansible software Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 5 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
certificate after college
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about cytotechnologists.