What does a cytotechnologist do?
A Cytotechnologist evaluates specimens on glass slides using microscopes. They analyze fluid and tissue specimens for microscopic cellular abnormalities, such as bacterial and viral infections.
Cytotechnologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real cytotechnologist resumes:
- Identify, verify and maintain an appropriate stock of control blocks for use in IHC staining.
- Process approximately 1,200 GYN , 400 non-GYN, and 400 FNA samples per year.
- Perform routine maintenance and quality control documentation for IHC staining equipment.
- Process cell samples using microtomy wet tissue trimming and immunohistochemistry staining techniques.
- Perform testing, training and technical supervision of all cytology and histology procedures.
- Perform QC slide screening and data entry
- Perform EBUS TBFNA rapid onsite evaluations.
- Thin prep processing and Surepath processing.
- Implement and assist with maintaining pathology LIS.
- Facilitate CPR training for the ship's crew.
- Participate in ASCP check samples on a monthly basis.
- Adhere to OSHA, company safety and compliance regulations.
- Participate in ASCP check samples on a monthly basis -maintain utmost integrity regarding the quality of patient testing.
- Keep accurate daily workload records and adhering to all CLIA regulations.
- Evaluate GYN and non-GYN samples for the presence of malignant cells.
Cytotechnologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Cytotechnologists are proficient in ASCP, Patients, and Proficiency Testing.
We break down the percentage of Cytotechnologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- ASCP, 18%
Maintained departmental reports, coordinated monthly slide presentations and facilitated ASCP Teleconferences.
- Patients, 13%
Monitored co-workers using quality control measures to minimize errors passed on to patients.
- Proficiency Testing, 5%
Participate in continuing education and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory Accreditation Program for proficiency testing.
- Test Results, 5%
Conducted test methodically and ensured the accuracy, acceptability and confidentiality of test results.
- CLIA, 5%
Completed daily and monthly work load statistical data complying with management requirement and CLIA regulations.
- Clinical Laboratory, 4%
Work in clinical laboratory in Hematology, Chemistry, and Urinalysis and help train and supervise Medical Laboratory students.
"ascp," "patients," and "proficiency testing" are among the most common skills that cytotechnologists use at work. You can find even more cytotechnologist responsibilities below, including:
The three companies that hire the most cytotechnologists are:
- Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings40 cytotechnologists jobs
- Quest Diagnostics23 cytotechnologists jobs
- Women's Care16 cytotechnologists jobs
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Compare different cytotechnologists
Cytotechnologist vs. Vascular technician
Typically working together with physicians and nurses, a vascular technician specializes in performing imaging and diagnostic examinations to assess a patient's vascular health. Their responsibilities usually include gathering and analyzing patient information and medical history, operating diagnostic equipment, performing adjustments, discussing the extent of procedures to patients, and assisting them, making them feel comfortable every step of the way. Moreover, an avascular technician must produce and summarize findings, submitting them to physicians in a prompt and organized manner.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between cytotechnologists and vascular technician. For instance, cytotechnologist responsibilities require skills such as "ascp," "proficiency testing," "clia," and "clinical laboratory." Whereas a vascular technician is skilled in "ardms," "rvt," "vascular technologist," and "echocardiogram." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Vascular technicians tend to reach lower levels of education than cytotechnologists. In fact, vascular technicians are 5.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Cytotechnologist vs. Cytology laboratory manager
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, cytotechnologist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ascp," "patients," "proficiency testing," and "test results." Meanwhile, a cytology laboratory manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "hrs," "client issues," "staff training," and "quality standards." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Cytology laboratory managers earn similar levels of education than cytotechnologists in general. They're 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for cytotechnologists in the next 3-5 years?
Mohammad Saadeh Ph.D.
Department Head, Southeastern Louisiana University
Cytotechnologist vs. Cytology supervisor
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from cytotechnologist resumes include skills like "ascp," "patients," "test results," and "clinical laboratory," whereas a cytology supervisor is more likely to list skills in "non-gyn," "lis," "laboratory operations," and "microbiology. "
When it comes to education, cytology supervisors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to cytotechnologists. In fact, they're 4.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Cytotechnologist vs. Cytotechnologist/histotechnologist
Types of cytotechnologist
Updated January 8, 2025
