Nature of the Work

Cytotechnology is the study of the structure, formation, and function of cells. Cytotechnologists study cells that have been shed normally, scraped from the body, or aspirated with a fine needle. The cytotechnologist makes a judgment decision as to what is normal and abnormal by analyzing cellular patterns and subtle changes in the nucleus, cytoplasm, shape, color, and size of cells while correlating the patient's clinical history. This is a highly specialized and technical field of study.

Cytotechnologists work independently doing meticulous microscopic work. They must be comfortable making decisions and must assume a great deal of responsibility. Cytotechnologists are responsible for the preliminary interpretation of specimens from body sites, such as the lung, bladder, body cavities, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, female reproductive tract, liver, lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary glands and breast. As part of the job, the cytotechnologist will stain the cells in order to make it easier to differentiate from surrounding tissue. Cytotechnologists work in collaboration with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions, and malignant disease. Providing a definitive diagnosis in a timely, safe, and cost-effective manner helps save patients' lives by allowing clinicians to provide necessary and appropriate treatment to patients as quickly as possible.

Cytotechnologists work with various technologies to aid in diagnoses. These technologies include image analysis, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, molecular diagnostic procedures, and automated equipment.

Kelly is a cytotechnologist, and in this video, she describes her first experience looking at a sample slide and how she gets "lost" in a slide.

Work Environment

Cytotechnologists usually work in hospitals, clinics, and private laboratories. Other places of employment are research laboratories, educational institutions, and government facilities. They work with a variety of lab equipment and are often seated for long periods of time while they perform their duties. The work environment is fast paced, requires efficiency and accuracy, and can be stressful.

Training, Other Qualifications

Upon successful completion of a degree program, graduates are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam. Most employers require cytotechnologists to be ASCP certified. Individuals interested in becoming supervisors, lab managers, and educators might also pursue ASCP Specialist Certification in Cytotechnology. Certain states also require cytotechnologists to be licensed to work in that state.

Education and Training

The minimum degree required for an entry-level position in this field is a bachelor's degree. In order to become a cytotechnologist, interested individuals must attend an accredited program in cytotechnology. Educational programs are either university-based or hospital-based and involve 1 or 2 years of instruction. All individuals must possess a bachelor's degree upon completion of the program. Minimum academic requirements are 28 semester credits of combined biology and chemistry and three semester credits of mathematics or statistics. Requirements may vary, depending on each individual program.

For positions as lab managers or educators, employers usually require a graduate degree.

On the Job

• Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
• Examine specimens using microscopes to evaluate specimen quality.
• Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
• 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 such as by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies.
• Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
• Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
• Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
• Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms.
• Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
• Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
• Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment such as microscopes.
• Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
• Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.

Companies That Hire Cytotechnologists

• Kaiser Permanente
• LabCorp
• UPMC

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Additional Information

For additional information about cytotechnology, visit the following websites:

• American Society for Cytotechnology
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society of Cytopathology

Sources

• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
&feature
• Myfootpath.com. (2009). Cytotechnologist Interview. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from http://www.myfootpath.com/advice-and-answers/career-interviews/cytotechnologist-career-interview/
• Institute of Biomedical Science. (2009, August). The Work and Roles of Cytologists. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from http://www.ibms.org/go/about-biomedical-science:careers-jobs:careers-cytology
• Brooks, W. (2005, March 17). UNMC Today: Cytotechnologists—Finding Disease in Life's Building Blocks. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from http://app1.unmc.edu/PublicAffairs/TodaySite/sitefiles/today_full.cfm?match=2060
• The Michener Institute. (2009, November 23). The Michener Institute—Heroes Campaign: Diagnostic Cytology Part 2. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3KnUa37B-g&feature=channel
• American Society for Cytotechnology. (n.d.). Profession of Cytotechnology. Retrieved September 10, 2010, from www.asct.com/content/profession-cytotechnology
• MHA Health Careers Center. (2004). Cytotechnologist. Retrieved September 10, 2010, from www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/cytotechnologist.htm
• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2009). Cytotechnology Career Overview. Retrieved September 10, 2010, from www.mayo.edu/mshs/cyt-career.html

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