How To Become a Cytotechnologist

What degree do you need

One of the most common questions that we always get is what major or degree do I need to become Cytotechnologists or what courses do I need to take.

We also asked Cytotechnologists what did they major in college or university and here are the top 5 most popular majors that came up.

An entry-level job for Cytotechnologists usually requires a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences.

How hard is it

You will need an extensive amount of skill, knowledge and experience to be a Cytotechnologist. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, a surgeon must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Careers in this difficulty category may need some on-the-job-training, but most of these careers assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, and work-related experience and training. These careers usually involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Similar careers include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, neurologists, and veterinarians.

License and certifications

Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. To be licensed, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists often needs a bachelor’s degree and must pass an exam. However, requirements vary by state and specialty. For specific requirements, contact state departments of health or boards of occupational licensing. Certification of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is required for licensure in some states and by some employers. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians can obtain a general certification as a medical laboratory technologist or technician, respectively, or a certification in a specialty, such as cytotechnology or medical biology. Most credentialing institutions require that technologists complete an accredited education program in order to qualify to sit for an examination. Although certification is not required to enter the occupation in all cases, employers typically prefer to hire certified technologists and technicians.

Skills required

We asked other Cytotechnologists if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be. Here is what they said.

Knowledge required

Just like any other job, you will need certain know-hows to excel at your job. Cytotechnologists are generally very knowledgeable in these 5 key areas.

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