Cytogenetic Technologists
Cytogenetic Technologists analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Table of Contents
Job description
Cytogenetic Technologists analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, or treatment of genetic diseases.
- Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
Salary
Cytogenetic Technologists with little to no experience tend to make between $29910 and $38310 while the more experienced ones can earn over $66920 per year.
Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
---|---|---|
RI | $34 | $70,380 |
AK | $32 | $67,280 |
CT | $32 | $65,830 |
NJ | $31 | $63,720 |
OR | $31 | $63,650 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Cytogenetic Technologist is to move to a higher paying state like RI. Right now, the highest paying states for Cytogenetic Technologists are RI, AK, CT, NJ and OR.
However, a higher pay at RI doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at RI might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Cytogenetic Technologist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Cytogenetic Technologists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Bachelor’s Degree followed by a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist |
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist |
Histologic Technology/Histotechnologist |
Cytogenetics/Genetics/Clinical Genetics Technology/Technologist |
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions, Other |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Cytogenetic Technologist.
PROS |
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Suitable for people who likes to solve problems mentally |
Suitable for people who values achievements and are results-oriented |
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors. |
Demand for this career is growing fast |
Normal working hours (40 hours per week) |
CONS |
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Not suitable for people who likes to start and carry out projects |
It is hard to get into this career. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. |
What is the job like
74% of Cytogenetic Technologists said they were satisfied with their job and 82% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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