Cytotechnologists
Cytotechnologists stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Cytotechnologists are lab professionals who assess patients' cell samples and are qualified to observe delicate changes to precisely detect precancerous, malignant, and infectious conditions. Cytotechnologists usually work in close association with a pathologist. Their job duties involve examining slides of human cells under microscopes. These examined slides are classified to prepare a preliminary diagnosis of each. Cytotechnologists' job includes writing reports on malformation found in examined cells. They prepare stains, solutions, and reagents to be used for slides.
To become a cytotechnologist, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university and must master's from an accredited cytotechnology program.
A career in cytotechnologist training requires physical ability, mechanical skills and good manual dexterity to work with microscopes, place slides and make adjustments as needed. In today’s time, computer skills are a must.
Cytotechnologists' salary is contingent on skills and experience and mainly work in hospitals or commercial laboratories. With experience, they also may work in private industry or in supervisory, independently or in research and teaching positions.
To be a successful cytotechnologist, one should have a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and math. An aspirant should be independent, meticulous, enjoy microscopic work, and be comfortable with a high degree of responsibility.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.D. Pathology
- MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
- Diploma Pathology
Tasks
- Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
- Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
- Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
- Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
- Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
- Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
- Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
- Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
- Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms.
- Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
Progression Routes
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