A Cytotechnologist's Education and Career Guide

Cytotechnologists are often referred to as cell detectives because they spend countless hours peering through microscopes looking for minute differences in cells.

This exciting and often overlooked career is where detail-oriented and curious allied health professionals can excel.

Since many diseases, viruses, and bacteria can only be identified under a microscope, trained cytotechnologists must know how to collect samples, prepare slides, and evaluate cells in order to write reports for pathologists. With their skill and expertise, a quick and accurate diagnosis can be made for many diseases.

Aspiring cytotechnologists must complete a bachelor’s degree in cytotechnology or a related field and complete a post-baccalaureate certificate. Upon completing the required education, cytotechnologists must earn a Cytotechnologist (CT) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Despite their lack of visibility to the public, there is a high demand for cytotechnologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cytotechnologist jobs are growing at a higher rate than the national average and pay more than 20 percent above average wages. Considering all that is needed to enter this career is a four-year degree, this can be a lucrative career for curious medical professionals.

The best way to learn more about a career is to get advice from someone in the field. Keep reading to hear certified cytotechnologist Gabrielle Francois’ advice as well as the top ten things to know before starting this career.

What to Know Before Starting a Career in Cytotechnology

1. The Applications of Cytotechnology

Cytotechnology is the use of a microscope to examine and study cells. Through these examinations, cytotechnologists can detect cancer, viruses, bacteria, and other diseases. The cells collected and examined can be uterine, gastrointestinal, lung, or other parts of the body. Sometimes cytotechnologists help collect the samples through fine needle aspirations or other procedures.

2. Educational Requirements for Cytotechnologists

In order to work as a cytotechnologist, aspiring professionals must complete either a bachelor’s degree in cytotechnology or complete a bachelor’s in a related field and then complete a post-baccalaureate certificate.

A bachelor’s degree takes four years to complete, while a certificate can be completed in as little as a year. Students will spend extensive time behind a microscope during their training. Top programs have students' clock in over 750 hours at the microscope in just one year.

3. Cytotechnologist Certification

While certification is not mandatory for cytotechnologists, it is highly recommended. Many employers require certification, and it demonstrates competency in the field. The most common certification earned is the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Cytotechnology (CT) certification.

To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree and a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited cytotechnology program. The ASCP also offers the more advanced certificate of Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) for professionals who have three years of work experience as cytotechnologists or who have three years of experience as cytotechnology educators.

4. Job Outlook for Cytotechnologists

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies cytotechnologists as “clinical laboratory technologists and technicians” and estimates this field to grow 7 percent, nearly twice the national average for all jobs, between 2019 and 2029. This gain in jobs is primarily due to an aging population with increased incidents of cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses.

5. Helpful Skills for Cytotechnologists

In addition to completing a degree or certificate in cytotechnology, there are a number of skills that can be helpful in this field. First, cytotechnologists must be detail oriented. It can be tedious to compare slide after slide of cells, but that is exactly what cytotechnologists do—and they have to do it well. Catching the small abnormalities that signal cancer or other diseases is critical and cytotechnologists are relied on to not miss a single detail.

Secondly, cytotechnologists must be able to use various pieces of technology. They will need to have excellent skills using microscopes, computers, and other lab equipment. Learning new technology quickly is a critical skill as well since labs and procedures are always evolving.

Lastly, cytotechnologists must have a lot of stamina. Hospital labs can get very busy and often results are urgent. Many cytotechnologists must work long hours sitting or standing at a lab bench or microscope in order to complete the necessary studies.

6. Where Cytotechnologists Work

Cytotechnologists work primarily at either hospitals or laboratories. The workload at each workplace varies and is typically more routine in a lab and more varied at a hospital. Some cytotechnologists may be employed at universities and work in research departments.

7. What a Day of Work as a Cytotechnologist Entails

Day-to-day duties of a cytotechnologist vary based on their place of employment. Typical responsibilities include:

•Preparing slides with cell samples

•Using a microscope to examine cells

•Identifying abnormal cells on the slides

•Writing reports about the cells examined

•Advising pathologist about a possible diagnosis of abnormal cells

•Comparing cells sample to determine changes over time

•Performing fine needle aspirations

•Completing rapid tests for cases that need urgent results

8. Career Advancement Opportunities for Cytotechnologists

Entry-level work for cytotechnologists is available at labs and hospitals across the country. Cytotechnologists who are interested in advancing their careers can pursue the more advanced SCT certification through the ASCP. This certification demonstrates a higher level of competency in the field and can help cytotechnologists be eligible for senior or management positions.

Other advancement opportunities can include teaching positions at cytotechnology schools. Professionals in this field can also use cytotechnology as a jumping-off point for a more advanced healthcare job, such as health information management or health care management. While these roles can require further education, working as a cytotechnologist will give them an edge in their education and when applying for future work.

9. Professional Networks and Associations for Cytotechnologists

Professional networks and associations can be helpful for new cytotechnologists. They are a wealth of information about the field, certification requirements, and often have job boards. Many also provide educational resources for continuing education requirements or for cytotechnologists looking to keep up with an ever-changing field.

The top networks and associations for cytotechnologists are:

•American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

•American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)

•American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT)

•International Academy of Cytology

10. Scholarships Available for Cytotechnologists

Paying for a cytotechnology program can be a daunting proposition for aspiring professionals in this field. Most programs’ rigors don’t allow much time for students to work, so many students have to find other ways to fund their education. While loans may seem like the easiest answer, there are many grants and scholarships available to aspiring cytotechnologists.

One place to start is the ASPC. They have a foundation scholarship fund for a variety of degrees and courses of study, including cytotechnology. Also, most schools and certificate programs have scholarships available that students can apply for. Selection criteria for scholarships include educational achievements, leadership skills, letters of recommendation, community involvement, minority status, and application essays.

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