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Become a Cytotechnologist

Find out about cytotechnology training and careers.

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Cytology is the study of cells. As a cytotechnologist, you'll prepare and examine body cells for study under the microscope in order to detect abnormalities that may be important in the early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases.

Cytotechnologist Job Description

Under the supervision of a pathologist, you'll be responsible for the following tasks as a cytotechnologist:

  • Preparing slides containing sample cells for examination under a microscope
  • Evaluating cells for the presence of cancer, precancerous changes or infections
  • Providing an interpretation of all patient samples to the pathologist

In addition, there are opportunities for cytotechnologists in teaching and research.

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Cytotechnologist Salary

According to the American Medical Association, median cytotechnologist salaries range between $68,500 to $70,500 annually.

Other sources report slightly lower earning for cytotechnologists, hovering in the mid-$50,000 to mid-$60,000 range. Massachusetts is the exception, reporting a median cytotechnologist salary of $79,258.

Cytotechnologist Work Environment

As a cytotechnologist, you might work in any of the following settings:

  • hospitals
  • clinics
  • universities
  • commercial laboratories
  • public health organizations

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Cytotechnologist Education and Training

Cytotechnologists must have a bachelor's degree from a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

In addition to cytochemistry and cytophysiology, you'll learn processing techniques, preparation of specimens and microcopy. You'll likely study the following subjects:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • immunology
  • histology
  • embryology
  • endocrinology
  • anatomy
  • physiology

Cytotechnologist Certification

Regulations vary from state to state, but certification is highly recommended because most employers require it. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers testing and national certification, which earns cytotechnologists the title of Certified Cytotechnologist (CT).

*Sources: PayScale.com, Salary.com

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cytotechnologist with microscope

Did You Know?

  • At the beginning of life, we each spend about half an hour as a single-celled organism.
  • The average adult body is composed of approximately 50 to 100 trillion cells.

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Sanford-Brown Institute

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