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Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologist

Cytologist

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Cytology (formerly cytotechnology) is a health care professional within Pathology and Laboratory Medicine that involves the evaluation of cellular material from all body sites. Cytologists (formerly cytotechnologists) provide advanced diagnostic services and physician support, integrating morphologic interpretations to provide safe and effective patient care.

Paramount to the cytologist is the recognition of normal and abnormal cytology including, but not limited to, malignant neoplasms, precancerous lesions, infectious agents and inflammatory processes in gynecologic, non-gynecologic and fine needle aspiration specimens. The cytologist must possess the technical skills for a wide variety of cytologic laboratory specimens preparations and a basic knowledge of contemporary procedures and emerging technologies.
Salary and Projected Growth

Median salary: $102,864

Salary range: $84,865-$121,110

Projected growth: faster than average

Where Could I Work?

Hospitals/clinics

Private industry

Research

Education/training

Private Laboratory

Your Interests and Abilities

Interest in cancer diagnostic laboratory

Investigative work

Microscopic work

Working independently

Professional Skills

Accuracy & proficiency

Ability to manage stress and time

Decision making-capacity

Open to life-long learning

Interacting with other health care professionals (e.g., pathologists, radiologists, clinicians)

Education
Education Requirements

Bachelor’s or higher degree in a Department-registered cytotechnology licensure program, or the equivalent.

OR

Bachelor’s or higher degree with a major in biology, chemistry, or the physical sciences AND an advanced certificate in cytotechnology.

Examination
Adult learning for student university study in class, hand note lecture in notebook for exam

The ASCP Board of Certification Cytology examination is approved for NY licensure purposes.

The same exam may also be taken for certification purposes. Applicants would be required to meet both NYS licensure requirements and ASCP eligibility requirements.

What Interests You?

Match your interests and personality to career options! Explore a free career tool at mynextmove.org/explore/ip

Tip: try searching for mentoring programs—talk to a cytotechnologist about what they do and how they got started!

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