AHEC Connecticut
LABORATORY SCIENCE - Cytogenetics Technologist
To be a successful Cytogenetics Technologist you should...
- show accuracy and attention to detail
- be a problem-solver
- like challenge and responsibility
- be able to work independently with little supervision
What will my job be like?
Cytogenetics technologists study the relationship of abnormalities in human chromosomes to birth defects, physical and mental abnormalities, infertility and spontaneous abortions, and diseases like cancer. They prepare slides of cell samples for examination, and must be able to recognize abnormalities in the color, size, shape, make-up, and patterns of the cells.
Where could I work?
Cytogenetics technologists have a wide choice of practice settings. Hospitals, for-profit laboratories, clinics, public health facilities, and industry currently have positions open for qualified Cytogenetics technologists.
What is the average annual salary?
$48,000
What is the future of this career?
Job opportunities are expected to be excellent, because the number of job openings is expected to continue to exceed the number of job seekers. Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014, as the volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Cytogenetics technologists must complete four years of formal education leading to a Bachelor of Science, followed by a clinical cytotechnology program, which normally lasts from one to two years.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- University of Connecticut– School of Allied Health
- Cytotechnology Program, Storrs
- Yale University, New Haven
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: The Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists gives a national certification exam. Students take this exam after meeting their academic and laboratory education requirements. Those who pass the exam for cytotechnology may use the initials CT (ASCP) after their name to show they are proficient in their field.
Where can I get more information?
American Society for Cytotechnology
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607
(800) 948-3947
www.asct.com
American Society of Cytopathology
400 West 9th Street, Suite 201
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 429-8802
www.cytopathology.org
Association of Genetic Technologists
P.O. Box 15945-288
Lenexa, KS 66285
(913) 541-0497
www.agt-info.org