What is a Cytotechnologist?
The prefix "cyto" means "cell." The use of technology--or more specifically a microscope--to study cells is cytotechnology. As a cytotechnologist you will prepare and examine body cells under the microscope to detect abnormalities that may be important to the early diagnosis of cancer or other diseases. The field is perhaps best known for the Pap test, an evaluation of cells from the uterine cervix. But cytotechnology techniques can also identify precancerous or cancer cells in virtually any area of the body.
Types of Work Environments
- Research laboratories
Cytotechnologist have a four-year bachelor's degree in cytotechnology, biology, or a closely related field from an accredited program. Cytotechnologists must also pass a certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
According to salary.com, the median salary of cytotechnologists is between $60,834 and $73,431 per year.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology