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Cytotechnologists - 29-2011.02

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Cytologist
  • Cytology Applications Specialist
  • Cytology Coordinator
  • Cytology Technical Specialist
  • Cytotechnologist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
  • Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
  • Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
  • Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
  • Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.
  • Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
  • Repair medical facility equipment.
  • Supervise technical medical personnel.
  • Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
  • Verify accuracy of patient information.
  • Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Cytotechnologist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Cytotechnology (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cytotechnology Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cytotechnology Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cytotechnology Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Cytotechnology Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Medical Laboratory Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Pathologist (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Cytology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Dermatology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Forensic (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Gynecology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Hematology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Neuropathology (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Pediatric (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Pediatrics (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Pathologist, Transfusion Medicine (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Cytotechnologist