If you have an interest in biology and helping those who have the misfortune of developing cancer, you may be interested in becoming a cytotechnologist. Cytotechnologists examine human cells for abnormalities that might be indicative of diseases such as cancer. “Cytology” is a term that means the study of cells. As a professional cytotechnologist, you will be contributing to early cancer diagnoses, helping to achieve a much higher survival rate.
Job:
You will work in laboratories in clinics, universities, hospitals, and other healthcare-related organizations when you become a cytotechnologist. Your job will include preparing slides for examination, screening cells for disease, and reporting your findings to a pathologist. Alerting the pathologist of abnormal cell changes that signal pre-cancerous growth will also be a vital part of your job.
Salary:
Your salary will, of course, depend on your education level, experience, and location, but according to the American Medical Association, cytotechnologists can make an average of $68,500 to $70,500 annually, although some areas will pay starting salaries of around $50,000. You can increase the amount you earn by continuing your education as well as working toward promotion into a supervisory position.
Education:
If you are interested in the field of cytotechnology, you should seek to become certified with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology through a school that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
Your coursework will likely include the following:
- Anatomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer applications
- Embryology
- Immunology
- Management
- Physiology
Your state may require you to become licensed as a cytotechnologist; this involves taking a written exam that will test your knowledge of what you’ve learned through the certification process.
Experience:
You can achieve hands-on clinical experience by becoming a research assistant while you are still in college.
If you love science and working with laboratory equipment and have a strong desire to help further disease discovery and prevention, this may be just the career you’re looking for!
Fri, Mar 12, 2010
Continuing Education, Degrees