Cytotechnologist, Cytotechnology Schools, Training, Jobs, and Careers

What is a Cytotechnologist?
Detecting cancer early is good. Even better is detecting precancerous condition. This gives the doctors plenty of time to treat and cure it.

The cytotechnologist (CT) gets involved in this test. His or her job is to examine and analyze cells in the body. This examination helps detect cancer and precancerous conditions.

But, make no mistake about it. These technologists do a lot more than just detect cancer and precancerous condition. They also get involved in detecting all kinds of disease, like viral and bacterial infections. In a typical work day, the cytotechnologist can do some or all of the following:

1. Collect specimen, like cell samples shed from the body or aspirated with a needle
2. Stain the cell to be tested
3. Mount the slide
4. Examine the cell sample under the microscope
5. Look for abnormalities based on cell shape, color, and size
6. Examine Pap smears
7. Look for abnormal hormone condition
8. Look for pathological disease
9. Update the doctor on test results
10. Update patient medical records
11. Maintain and calibrate the cell examination and analysis equipments and machines
12. Etc.

The CT must work closely with the pathologist. His or her work must be examined by the pathologist before it can be communicated to the patient.

How to Become a Cytotechnologist:
To become a CT, it is imperative to get a high school diploma or equivalent. You should take classes in algebra, biology, chemistry, geometry, etc. After you meet the above requirement, you then need to apply to a cytotechnology school.

Becoming a cytotech requires one to have clinical laboratory education first. You will then need to undergo 12 months of specialized training in cytotechnology. You should expect to take course as:

a. Diagnostic Cytopathology
b. Clinical Cytopathology
c. Histology
d. Cytopathology Gynecology
e. Cytotechnology Laboratory
f. Cell Biology
g. Fundamentals of Pathology
h. Etc.

To practice, one needs to be licensed and registered. You need to take and pass the certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. This will give you the title of CT.

Cytotechnologist Salary:
Those that choose to become cytotechs will make very good pay. The average salary is $56,000 per year. We have seen salaries as high as $61,000 per year. It must be pointed out that your education, years of experience, and location play a role in how much you make.

Cytotechnologist School:
You can find cytogenetic technology program schools online and in your area. You just need to do an online search. You can do so through this link.

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