Cytotechnologist

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Work Tasks

• Work with pathologists to look at and study cells
• Look for changes in body cells that may be caused by cancer or other diseases
• Prepare samples of body cells and look at cells under a microscope
• Review test results with physicians, develop and change tests, and set up and watch test run to make sure they are accurate
• Work in hospitals, medical, research, and testing labs, offices and clinics of doctors or physicians, and for the federal government
• Work with body cells, slides and specimens, microscopes, and other lab equipment, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $62,000 average per year ($29.75 per hour)
• A large occupation (164,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in medical technology or in one of the life sciences
• Skills/Courses: College courses include chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, math, and specialized courses in clinical technology.
• Certification/Licensing: Some states require clinical laboratory technologists to be licensed or registered.