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Healthcare

Cytotechnologists

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

Median salary

$61,890

Typical range

$38k – $98k

Job outlook

+2% (about average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: Master's degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Cytotechnologists

    Entry / Junior

    $38,020

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Cytotechnologists

    Established

    $61,890

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Cytotechnologists

    Senior

    $79,940

Key skills

A typical day

  • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
  • Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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