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Cytotechnologists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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

Pay & job outlook

We don't have national pay or outlook data for this role yet.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingMonitoringActive LearningWritingSocial Perceptiveness
Top knowledge areas
BiologyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageAdministrativeChemistryCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and ElectronicsMathematics
Core tasks

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.

Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.

Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.

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.

Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.

Frequently asked questions

What education is typically required for Cytotechnologists?

Typical entry-level education: Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed.