What You Need to Know About Cytotechnologist

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

Life As a Cytotechnologist

• Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
• Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
• Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
• Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
• Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
• Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.

Cytotechnologist Needed Skills

These are the skills Cytotechnologists say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Types of Cytotechnologist Jobs

• Staff Cytotechnologist
• Cytotechnologist/Cytology Supervisor
• Specimen Preparation Assistant
• Senior Cytotechnologist
• Certified Cytotechnologist

Is There Job Demand for Cytotechnologists?

In the United States, there were 171,400 jobs for Cytotechnologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19,800 new jobs for Cytotechnologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 12,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Cytotechnologist are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Tools & Technologies Used by Cytotechnologists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Cytotechnologists:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• MEDITECH software
• Laboratory information system LIS
• CPSI CPSI System
• Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
• STARLIMS
• Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
• Antek HealthWare LabDAQ
• Aspyra CyberLAB
• CSS CLS-2000
• Cerner Millennium PathNet
• ClinLab LIS
• Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
• Comp Pro Med Polytech
• Custom Software Systems StarLab
• Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
• EpicLab Laboratory Information System
• Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
• Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS

How do I Become a Cytotechnologist?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Cytotechnologist?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Cytotechnologist?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.