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What is a Cytotechnologist? |
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A Cytotechnologist is someone who works in a medical lab, examining samples of cells under a microscope for abnormalities. Often, this work is used to detect cancer or pre-cancerous cells. A Cytotechnologist then reports to a pathologist who gives the final diagnosis to the doctor.
Since Cytotechnologists work in medical labs, they usually work a typical 40-hour work week, but may need to be available for weekends or on-call hours in case of an emergency. The settings range from hospitals to clinics to cancer centers.
The average income for a Cytotechnologist is between $45,000 and $55,000 annually.
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How do I become a Cytotechnologist? |
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The quick healthcare certification program to become a Cytotechnologist takes about a year to complete. Usually, a two-year degree is required to get into the certification program. The coursework includes many science and biology courses, which help prepare you to look at normal and abnormal cells and know what to look for.
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What are the benefits and drawbacks of a career as a Cytotechnologist? |
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One benefit of a career as a Cytotechnologist is that you can be instrumental in the diagnosis of cancer and diseases or illnesses in patients. As a Cytotechnologist, you may be responsible for identifying cancer early enough that it can be treated and go into remission, saving someone's life. It can be rewarding to know you're impacting the lives of patients so directly.
One drawback of a career as a Cytotechnologist is that you don't work with patients. This may be a benefit to someone who wants to work in healthcare but isn't comfortable talking to people every day, but many people want to go into healthcare to work with people. Since you work in a medical lab analyzing samples, you don't see the patients.
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