29-2011.02

Cytotechnologists

Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Technologists and Technicians
Build Resume

Technology Tools

Ansible softwareMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
  • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
  • Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
  • Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
  • Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
  • Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
  • Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
  • Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
  • Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
  • Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
  • Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
  • Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.
  • Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
72%
Active Listening
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Speaking
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Time Management
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Active Learning
50%
Writing
50%
Monitoring
50%
Coordination
47%
Science
47%
Instructing
47%
Service Orientation
47%
Learning Strategies
44%
Mathematics
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Operations Monitoring
41%
Quality Control Analysis
41%
Troubleshooting
38%
Operation and Control
38%
Persuasion
31%
Systems Analysis
28%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Programming
25%
Repairing
25%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Negotiation
25%
Management of Financial Resources
25%
Equipment Maintenance
25%
Equipment Selection
19%
Operations Analysis
13%
Technology Design
13%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Biology
81%
Medicine and Dentistry
72%
English Language
56%
Administrative
51%
Chemistry
43%
Customer and Personal Service
41%
Computers and Electronics
38%
Mathematics
36%
Education and Training
36%
Law and Government
30%
Public Safety and Security
30%
Administration and Management
29%
Personnel and Human Resources
26%
Mechanical
24%
Communications and Media
22%
Production and Processing
22%
Telecommunications
18%
Engineering and Technology
16%
Psychology
15%
Sales and Marketing
13%
Economics and Accounting
11%
Design
10%
Physics
10%
Sociology and Anthropology
9%
Transportation
9%
Therapy and Counseling
9%
History and Archeology
4%
Geography
4%
Foreign Language
2%
Fine Arts
1%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
Food Production
0%
Building and Construction
0%

Build a Resume for Cytotechnologists

Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.

Create Resume

Abilities

Near Vision
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Inductive Reasoning
72%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
66%
Finger Dexterity
66%
Flexibility of Closure
66%
Visual Color Discrimination
60%
Category Flexibility
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Selective Attention
53%
Oral Expression
53%
Far Vision
50%
Written Expression
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Control Precision
50%
Manual Dexterity
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Visualization
44%
Fluency of Ideas
44%
Multilimb Coordination
41%
Time Sharing
41%
Mathematical Reasoning
38%
Speed of Closure
38%
Memorization
35%
Originality
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Number Facility
25%
Hearing Sensitivity
25%
Reaction Time
25%
Auditory Attention
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Trunk Strength
25%
Rate Control
25%
Static Strength
22%
Response Orientation
19%
Dynamic Strength
16%
Extent Flexibility
13%
Explosive Strength
6%
Gross Body Coordination
6%
Stamina
3%
Sound Localization
0%
Night Vision
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
86%
Getting Information
80%
Working with Computers
80%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
73%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
73%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
72%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
61%
Processing Information
59%
Analyzing Data or Information
58%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
57%
Performing Administrative Activities
54%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
52%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
52%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
51%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
48%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
47%
Handling and Moving Objects
44%
Training and Teaching Others
44%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
43%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
43%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
41%
Coaching and Developing Others
40%
Controlling Machines and Processes
40%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
38%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
38%
Developing and Building Teams
38%
Assisting and Caring for Others
38%
Scheduling Work and Activities
33%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
32%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
31%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
30%
Staffing Organizational Units
30%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
30%
Thinking Creatively
29%
Performing General Physical Activities
25%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
22%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
19%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
14%
Selling or Influencing Others
10%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
7%

Work Context

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

96%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

92%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

92%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

92%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

89%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

88%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

88%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

86%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

83%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

82%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

81%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

80%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

75%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

73%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

72%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

69%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

65%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

64%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

63%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

59%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

55%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

51%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

51%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

49%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

44%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

40%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

38%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

38%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

36%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

35%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

33%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

30%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

26%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

24%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

24%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

18%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

17%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

17%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

13%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

10%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

9%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

6%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

4%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

4%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

3%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

3%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

3%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

2%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

1%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

1%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

1%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

0%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

0%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

50%

Post-baccalaureate certificate

36%

Master's degree

14%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

85

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

81

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

65

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

26

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

13

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

3

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
81%
Integrity
70%
Intellectual Curiosity
66%
Achievement Orientation
60%
Perseverance
58%
Stress Tolerance
56%
Self-Control
49%
Cooperation
48%
Self-Confidence
30%
Adaptability
24%
Sincerity
23%
Initiative
22%
Humility
19%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
9%
Optimism
6%
Empathy
1%
Leadership Orientation
1%
Social Orientation
1%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Independence
67%
Recognition
67%
Working Conditions
58%
Support
56%
Relationships
39%

Ready to pursue a career as Cytotechnologists?

Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.

Build Your Resume Now