Cytotechnologists :: Job Description

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Cytotechnologists

Careers / Cytotechnologists

Summary Description


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

Sample Job Titles

1.	Certified Cytotechnologist

2.	Cytologist

3.	Cytology Laboratory Manager (Cytology Lab Manager)

4.	Cytology Manager

5.	Cytology Supervisor

6.	Cytopathology Technologist

7.	Cytotechnologist

8.	Cytotechnologist Supervisor

9.	Cytotechnologist/Cytology Supervisor

10.	Cytotechnologist/Histotechnologist

11.	Senior Cytotechnologist

12.	Specimen Preparation Assistant

13.	Staff Cytotechnologist

14.	Technical Specialist, Cytology

Job Tasks

	Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination. Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.

	Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns. Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.

	Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports. Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.

	Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information. Verify accuracy of patient information.

	Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety. Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards. Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.

	Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions. Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems. Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.

	Examine specimens using microscopes to evaluate specimen quality. Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.

	Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples such as by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.

	Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities. Supervise technical medical personnel.

	Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment such as microscopes. Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment. Maintain medical laboratory equipment. Repair medical facility equipment.

	Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components. Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.

	Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues. Maintain medical or professional knowledge.

	Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms. Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.

	Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions. Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
	Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
	About half of all medical laboratory technologists and technicians were employed in hospitals in 2014. Others worked in doctors' offices or diagnostic laboratories.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

The U.S. minimum wage in 1955 was 75 cents.

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