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Cytogenetic Technologists: Career Profile

Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.

What Tasks Do Cytogenetic Technologists Take On?

The day-to-day responsibilities of cytogenetic technologists cover:

• Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
• Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
• Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
• Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
• Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
• Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
• Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
• Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.

Key Skills and Knowledge

Successful cytogenetic technologists draw on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.

Key Skills

The competencies most important for this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Core Knowledge

Related Job Titles

People in this occupation may also be known by titles such as:

• Certified Cytogenetic Technologist
• Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS)
• Cytogenetic Technician
• Cytogenetic Technologist
• Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp)
• Cytogenetics Technical Specialist
• Cytogenetics Technologist
• Cytologist

How Many Cytogenetic Technologists Are There?

There are roughly 2,061,475 cytogenetic technologists working in the United States today. Employment is projected to grow by +1.9% over the projection horizon.

Cytogenetic Technologists Pay

Statistic	Value
Annual median	$155,361
Hourly median	$74.69
10th percentile	$109,477
25th percentile	$132,419
75th percentile	$178,303
90th percentile	$201,245

Pay can vary substantially based on experience, location, and industry.

Tech Stack

• Graphics or photo imaging software: Adobe Illustrator (hot technology)
• Object or component oriented development software: C++ (hot technology)
• Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
• Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
• Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook (hot technology)
• Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
• Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
• Object or component oriented development software: Python (hot technology)

The Day-to-Day Environment

The on-the-job environment of cytogenetic technologists tends to involve the following characteristics:

• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Time Pressure
• Frequency of Decision Making

Getting Started in This Career

Entry-level cytogenetic technologists positions require a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education. The role falls in Considerable Preparation Needed (Job Zone 4), indicating the level of preparation typically expected.

Other Careers to Consider

Similar Occupations

• Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers (Primary-Long)
• Biochemists and Biophysicists (Supplemental)
• Microbiologists (Primary-Long)
• Bioinformatics Scientists (Supplemental)
• Molecular and Cellular Biologists (Primary-Long)
• Geneticists (Supplemental)
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (Supplemental)
• Biological Technicians (Primary-Long)

Where to Study

Future cytogenetic technologists commonly pursue programs in:

Health Professions and Related Programs

5 programs across 1 majors

• Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science

Sources

Statistics shown above are sourced from the following authoritative sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
• BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
• O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.

SOC code: 29-2011.01 (Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists).