Cytology careers

What is the work in cytology?
Cytotechnologists work in hospital labs, private labs, and universities.
Their schedule is typically eight-hour days, five days a week.
They spend most of their time sitting at a microscope, and the repetitive hand motions required to work with microscopes may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome..

Most cytotechnologists work in hospitals, clinics, or private laboratories under the supervision of pathologists. Some may work in universities as professors or researchers.

How do I become a cytologist?

Cytologists must be licensed by the state in which they intend to practice.
Requirements for licensure differ by state, so applicants should inquire to their state's Board of Health to be sure that all requirements are met.
While certification is not necessarily required, many cytologists opt to earn certification.

How Do I Prepare For A Career?

The ASC maintains that you must attend an accredited program in the field in order to become a cytotechnologist.
Bachelor's and master's degree programs in cytology are generally associated with teaching hospitals or universities.
O*NET Online reported that 50% of cytotechnologists had bachelor's degrees and 36% had post-baccalaureate certificates .

What Are My Duties as A Cytologist?

Cytology is the study of cells, and as a cytologist (more commonly known as a cytotechnologist), you'd identify pathologies in cells.
You review microscopic specimens, such as Pap (Papanicolaou) smears, to determine whether they're normal or abnormal by considering the patient's history and analyzing cellular patterns.
You also might analyze specim.

What do cytologists study?

Cytologists study all topics related to cells.
They may study cell structure, function, metabolism, signaling, division, or other cell-related fields.
Cells can be broadly split into two categories:

prokaryotic and eukaryotic

These cells have major differences in their internal and external structures.

What is the job outlook for cytotechnologists?

According to the U.
S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, like cytotechnologists, was expected to increase by 7% between the years 2019 and 2029.
This is faster than average job growth.

What jobs are available in cytology?

Those interested in cytology may consider a broader network of jobs such as:

biological technicians or chemist/materials scientists

These occupations also demand bachelor's degrees at minimum.
Biological technicians work in labs where they assist scientists with experiments and tests.

What Salary Could I earn?

According to PayScale.com, the median salary for cytotechnologists was $72,784, as of December 2021.
Even though automation has impacted cytotechnology processes, medical and clinical laboratory technologists were expected to experience a faster-than-average rate of job growth at 11% between the years of 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S.
Bureau .