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Cytotechnologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe principle function of a cytotechnologist is to prepare and study cell smears for microscopic evaluations. Preventive medicine has become such a fundamental element of the modern health care system that testing for warning signs of cancers and other disorders has become routine.
Cytotechnologists smear sample cells onto slides and then stain the sample cells to enhance contrasts. Using the enhanced contrasts, cytotechnologists evaluate the cell samples and determine whether any abnormalities are present. They make a report of their findings in an evaluation for pathologists to review. For the most part, cytotechnologists work with computers to perform evaluations, using the advanced technology of computers to identify precancerous and cancerous cells, for example.
They are employed in hospitals, private laboratories, and research institutes. Some cytotechnologists teach in colleges and universities, demonstrating principles that influence the field, including clinical medicine, anatomy, histology, embryology, cytochemistry, cytophysiology, endrocrinology, and cytology screening.
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Career RequirementsAll training courses in cytotechnology require at least two years of college credits with some focus on biology, chemistry, bacteriology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and parasitology.
To become a certified cytotechnologist, individuals must graduate from an accredited cytotechnology training program. Although two years of college is considered the minimum requirement, most cytotechnologists undertake to complete a four-year college program to earn a bachelor degree before taking a cytotechnology training program. For those who hold bachelor degrees or above, training lasts for one year; those without a four-year degree are generally required to undertake at least two years of training.
Courses in cytotechnology build upon basic knowledge of the major medical fields, exploring areas of biology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and clinical chemistry, as well as clinical technology.
Graduate degrees are also offered in medical technology, generally consisting of specialist training for administration, teaching, and research careers.
Certification is a prerequisite for most positions and is available through the following organizations:
The American Society of Cytopathology
400 W. Ninth Street,
Wilmington, DE 19801
www.cytopathology.org
The ASCP Board of Registry
P.O. Box 12277
Chicago, IL 60612.
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Job OutlookCertified cytotechnologists can expect favorable job growth in the foreseeable future, as the US population grows both larger and, on average, older. They should expect to perform more tests and to have a greater role in the diagnostic process.
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Career TrackFor the most part, the career tracks of certified cytotechnologists are both stable and rewarding. Advancement typically comes to those who have considerable experience, graduate-level education, and managerial skills; promotion to supervisory positions, such as chief technologist or laboratory manager, is possible in most circumstances.
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CompensationAlthough compensation varies, annual salaries for certified cytotechnologists typically fall between $33,000 to $48,000 per year and most positions also afford benefits such as medical and dental insurance, paid vacations, and sick leave.
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