LABORATORY SCIENCES
Cytogenetics Technologist
To be a successful Cytogenetics Technologist you should...
show accuracy and attention to detail; be a problem-solver; like challenge and responsibility.
What will my job be like?
Cytogenetics technologists study the relationship of abnormalities in human chromosomes to birth defects, physical and mental abnormalities, infertility and spontaneous abortions, and diseases like cancer. They prepare slides of cell samples for examination, and must be able to recognize abnormalities in the color, size, shape, make-up, and patterns of the cells.
Where could I work?
Cytogenetics technologists have a wide choice of practice settings. Hospitals, for-profit laboratories, clinics, public health facilities, and industry currently have positions open for qualified Cytogenetics technologists.
Average Annual Salary
$60,780 per year
What is the future of this career?
Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 24,200 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
Cytogenetics technologists must complete four years of formal education leading to a Bachelor of Science, followed by a clinical cytotechnology program, which normally lasts from one to two years.
Where could I get the education/training?
- University of Connecticut - School of Allied Health Cytotechnology Program
- Yale University
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: The Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists gives a national certification exam. Students take this exam after meeting their academic and laboratory education requirements. Those who pass the exam for cytotechnology may use the initials CT (ASCP) after their name to show they are proficient in their field.
More Information
American Society for Cytology
3739 National Drive, Suite 202
Raleigh, NC 27612
800-948-3947
American Society of Cytopathology
100 West 10th Street, Suite 605
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-543-6583
Association of Genetic Technologists
219 Timberland Trail Lane
Rocky Top, TN 37769
423-567-4AGT
