Cytotechnologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cytotechnologist. Feel free to use our cytotechnologist job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cytotechnologist.
Who is a Cytotechnologist?
Cytotechnologists are laboratory professionals who work in the area of cell research and cellular anomalies. They can determine if a patient has a specific disease based on their findings.
The laboratories of cytotechnologists can be found in hospitals and research centers. These professionals must be very analytical, meticulous, and clean. Cytotechnologists might also be able to do research or teach.
To examine human cells, cytotechnologists use a microscope. They can determine if abnormalities are caused by an underlying disease based on their findings. They can also detect cancer, infections, or other precancerous changes in a cell, by looking at human cells under a microscope.
By identifying disease early, cytotechnologists can often help patients recover from illness.
The cytotechnologist reports the findings to a physician, who then makes the final diagnosis and sends it to the specialist.
Cell specimens are taken from different body parts, including the female reproductive tract and the lung. These cells are then transferred to slides using special techniques. Cytotechnologists inspect the slides microscopically to identify cellular changes that may indicate disease.
Pathologists can diagnose and treat diseases using the findings of cytotechnologists. This is often possible in many cases, even before it could have been detected otherwise. In recent years, for example, fine needles have been used to remove lesions from deep-seated areas of the body. This has made it possible to diagnose and locate tumors in previously unreachable areas.
The preparation of human cell samples is also done by cytotechnologists. This involves preparing slides that contain cells for inspection under a microscope. To get accurate results, they must take extra precautions.
Cytotechnologists prepare a report after examining these cells. This is sent to a pathologist, and then to the patient’s doctor. Cytotechnologists also have to maintain any laboratory equipment that they use.
Cytotechnologists can work with both human and animal cells in a variety of settings, including hospitals, veterinary clinics, and pathology labs. This group of medical technologists has a good job outlook because there is always a need for additional laboratory technologists to reduce the workload of pathologists.
A cytotechnologist, like other medical technologists, must have a bachelor’s in science. This is often in a field such as medical technology or life sciences. A training program of one year is required for cytotechnologists. It teaches skills such as cell physiology and microscopy. To start working, it may be necessary that you pass a licensing exam. A cytotechnologist works under the guidance of a physician, a licensed pathologist.
Cytotechnologists can prepare cells for examination and perform microscope examinations. They can also diagnose conditions and consult pathologists in more complicated cases. They also write test results and maintain the laboratory, as well as keep track of changes in the field and new equipment. Numerous cytotechnologists choose to join professional organizations and subscribe to trade journals to ensure they don’t miss out on major developments.
These professionals can work with natural shed cells, scrapings, and other types of biopsies. There are trillions of cells within the human body. A cytotechnologist must have the ability to distinguish between different types of cells. They also need to be able to identify abnormalities and areas of concern such as cancer signs, or other diseases. Cytotechnologists must have a keen eye for detail because they need to see tiny structures and be able to distinguish between minute variations.
It is common for cytotechnologists to have problems with poorly collected or contaminated samples. This can make it difficult to get conclusive results. They also know that there are many ways in which samples are prepared. For example, using one stain over another can mask subtle problems in cells. It is also possible to mix samples up or contaminate lab samples.
Cytotechnologist Job Description
Below are the cytotechnologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a cytotechnologist job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a cytotechnologist include the following:
- Examining the specimens for abnormal hormone conditions.
- Examining cell samples for abnormalities in the size, color, and shape of cellular components.
- Preparing and analyzing samples such as Papanicolaou (PAP), fine needle aspirations, and body fluids (FNAs) to detect abnormalities
- Providing clinical information or microscopic findings from patients to aid pathologists in the preparation and review of pathology reports.
- Assisting pathologists and other physicians in collecting cell samples, such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA biopsies).
- Documenting specimens through verification of patients’ and specimens’ information.
- Maintaining safe and effective laboratory operations by following laboratory safety standards.
- Preparing cell samples using special staining techniques such as chromosomal staining to distinguish cells or component cells.
- Sending slides showing abnormal cell structures to pathologists.
- Maintaining, adjusting, or repairing laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
- Verifying the information of patients and specimens to document specimens
- Ensuring that your laboratory is safe and efficient by following the standards for specimen collection, preparation, and safety.
- Examining specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
The following are other important tasks:
- Making slides: Cytotechnologists make slides of cells to be examined by mounting and staining specimens.
- Examining Slides: Under microscopes, cytotechnologists inspect slides of human cells.
- Classifying slides: Cytotechnologists examine all slides and make a preliminary diagnosis.
- Writing reports: Cytotechnologists report abnormalities in cells that have been examined by them.
- Preparing slide materials: Cytotechnologists prepare solutions, stains, and reagents for use in slides.
- Assist with Collection: The collection of cells for examination by cytotechnologists is done with the assistance of cytotechnologists.
- Keeping to safety protocols: To avoid contamination of specimens, and to minimize workplace accidents, cytotechnologists follow all safety protocols.
- Keeping a Daily Log: Cytotechnologists keep track of all specimens they examine each day and record any findings.
- Ensuring the maintenance of laboratory equipment: Maintenance on microscopes and other laboratory equipment is performed by cytotechnologists. This includes calibrating and cleaning equipment to ensure it is at its peak performance.
- Identifying Objects and Actions: This involves identifying information by categorizing, estimating, and recognizing similarities and differences, as well as detecting changes in circumstances and events.
- Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing and evaluating information to determine the best solution.
- Getting information: Receiving, observing, and otherwise obtaining all pertinent information from all sources.
- Updating and using relevant knowledge: Staying up to date technically and applying new information to your job.
- Interacting with Computers: Using computer systems (both hardware and software), to program, create software, set up functions, or process information.
- Evaluation of Information to Determine Compliance With Standards: Using relevant information and your judgment to determine if events or processes comply with regulations or standards.
- Communication with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Provide information to supervisors and co-workers by phone, e-mail, in writing, or in person.
- Processing Information: Coding, categorizing, and categorizing data.
- Analyzing Data and Information: This involves identifying the underlying reasons, principles, or facts by breaking down data or information into smaller parts.
- Planning, Organizing and Prioritizing Work: Setting goals and creating plans to prioritize, plan, and achieve your work.
Qualifications
Education
Cytotechnologists are educated at the baccalaureate or higher level. There are dozens of BS degrees in cytotechnology. You can choose to study molecular or combined cytotechnology.
Students must complete a lot of biology and chemistry coursework before being accepted to a program. Many students complete their undergraduate training in biology or microbiology and then go on to a post-baccalaureate-approved program. Twenty-semester hours is the typical requirement for biological science. Biology courses include anatomy, physiology, parasitology, and microbiology. Eight semester hours is the minimum requirement for chemistry. These requirements may be fulfilled by undergraduate science-related degree programs.
Students may be admitted to professional programs once they have been accepted. They can take gynecological or non-gynecological, neoplasia and molecular diagnostics, and laboratory technology.
Many cytotechnologists hold graduate degrees. A master’s degree in cytotechnology is possible. However, some professionals do a master’s degree in a related field to obtain a certificate in cytotechnology.
Training
After completing the prerequisite coursework, which takes about two years to complete, the cytotechnology educational track lasts about one year. It can vary depending upon the program and course load. However, you should expect to spend at least three years and up to five years after high school graduation. To be eligible for the national certification exam, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in cytotechnology.
The Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Educational Programs in Cytotechnology were approved by the Cytotechnology Programs Review Committee in October 2013. The ELC updated the curriculum to include new areas of molecular medicine, digital pathology, and other emerging fields.
Students are eligible to take the national certification exam given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Board of Certification (ASCP) after they have completed a cytotechnology program that has been accredited by the CAAHEP in collaboration with CPRC. The successful completion of the examination is a sign that an individual has attained entry-level proficiency in this field. Individuals are then certified as CT(ASCP). Additional certifications–specialist in cytotechnology (SCT) and molecular biology (MB)–can be obtained.
Certification and Licensing
Some states license cytotechnologists or other medical laboratory personnel. Although licensing is not required in most states, employers might request certification. American Society for Clinical Pathology offers Cytotechnologist (CT), and Specialist in Cytology(SCT) certifications. For the latter, you must have at least three years of experience as a CT. To be certified, you will need to pass an exam. For those who were certified in 2004, or later, recertification is contingent on participation in a certification maintenance program.
Essential Skills
- Communication skills
Cytotechnologists must be good communicators. They will not only be working with laboratory professionals but also writing reports for pathologists.
- Analytical skills
Cytotechnologists must have strong analytical skills to analyze cells and detect any abnormalities.
- Mechanical skills
Cytotechnologists must have mechanical skills to properly use a microscope.
- Reading comprehension
These professionals must be able to understand the meaning of sentences and paragraphs within work-related documents.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to determine the strengths and weaknesses in alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Active listening
Cytotechnologists should also possess the habit of paying attention to what others are saying, taking the time to understand, and asking questions when appropriate.
How to Become a Cytotechnologist
Although there are many careers in health care, cytotechnologists require certain skills. First, the individual must enjoy microscopic work. They also need to have good eyesight. You should enjoy solving problems, being precise and meticulous, and taking on a lot of responsibility. Cytotechnology can be a rewarding and satisfying career choice for someone interested in medical careers.
Solid knowledge of the sciences is required to become a cytotechnologist. There are training programs available at both the undergraduate level and the graduate level. A cytotechnologist can be admitted in their senior or junior year of college or after completing a bachelor’s degree. The program must be approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, (CAAHEP), or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, (NAACLS).
Entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree along with completion of clinical education in cytotechnology. This typically takes one year. There are different requirements for courses, so it is worth speaking with the school or program you are interested in to learn more. The curricula generally include courses in clinical medicine and cytochemistry.
To become a certified cytotechnologist, you must not only complete the formal education requirements. It is important to check the requirements for certification in each state as regulations can vary from one state to another. It is strongly recommended that you obtain certification because most employers require it.
Where to Work
Cytotechnologists are typically found in laboratories due to their job. They can work in hospitals that are public or private. However, they may also work in independent labs, research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and other laboratories.
Cytotechnologist Salary Scale
For their expertise, cytotechnologists get a good salary. The average salary for a Cytotechnologist is $70,000, according to the Medical Laboratory Observer. This is slightly higher than the average salary for a medical technician. According to the MLO, lab personnel is generally paid according to their job duties/functions. This is in addition to years of experience and education.
Earnings are also affected by geography. The highest salaries were received by the medical laboratory in the Northeastern and Pacific regions. Most laboratory workers across the country received benefits such as 401(k), dental, and medical insurance.