How to Be a Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologists are highly trained, skilled, allied health professionals. Cytotechnologists are concerned with cytology, the study of cells. They work with pathologists, examining cells from all parts of the body, looking for abnormal changes. Cytotechnologists, under the supervision of pathologists, prepare slides for microscopic examination and evaluate the samples on the slides for evidence of cancer or infection. Although cytotechnologists are best known for their skill in processing and examining cells from the cervix (the "Pap smear"), the field encompasses the examination of tissue from all parts of the body. If you want to work in the medical field, and have an aptitude for exacting, detail-oriented work, you may want to become a cytotechnologist.

Cytotechnologists work in the laboratories of medical centers, hospitals, and in private labs. With experience and continuing education, some cytotechnologists go on to careers in medical research.

According to Salary.com, the median expected salary in the United States for a cytotechnologist is $61,883. Salaries can vary considerably by geography and type of practice, however. Job prospects for skilled cytotechnologists are excellent, with at least average growth projected for the next five years.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide if this is the right job for you. Becoming a cytotechnologist is a major commitment. You should be a self-starter, and good at seeing a task done well from beginning to end. To explore the career further before making a decision, visit your nearest large hospital and arrange for an informational interview with a medical lab worker. Also, see the Mayo Clinic career page on cytotechnology.

2. If you don't have one already, obtain a bachelor's degree. It will be helpful, although not absolutely necessary, to include in your degree a background in math and science. Some schools offer bachelor's degrees in which the first three years are foundational, followed by a final year specializing in cytotechnology. If you choose this route, see the next step about making sure the program is accredited.

3. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can add a certificate in cytotechnology. Choose a program in cytotechnology accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). There are currently 35 accredited programs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Some states have more than one accredited program. The CAAHEP website will direct you -- click on "Find an Accredited Program" and choose "Cytotechnologist" from the pull-down menu.

4. Get certified. After finishing your clinical program, you will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam given by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Resources

• CAAHEP
• Mayo Clinic Cytotechnology Career Overview
• American Society for Cytotechnology

[bellerose]

on 11/28/2009 Great pointers on how to find out if you're suited to be a cytotechnologist and how to proceed with getting educated and certified to work in the field. 5*