About the Profession
Cytologists are integral members of the health care team. With the use of a microscope, cytologists apply specific criteria to decide whether the cells in a sample are normal, inflamed, pre-cancerous, or malignant. Pathologists, medical doctors who examine tissues and are responsible for the accuracy of laboratory tests, depend upon the preliminary assessment of cytologists to make final diagnoses. As a result of the work that cytologists perform, physicians are often able to diagnose and treat cancer before symptoms occur or before it is detected by other methods.
Cytology is the study of the structure and function of cells. Cytology students learn to recognize abnormalities in cell structures and microscopically evaluate body cell samples. They perform a variety of diagnostic and research procedures in the cytopathology laboratory, including processing and staining cell specimens and initial microscopic evaluation of cellular material.
The role of a cytologist extends beyond detecting cancer cells. Their responsibilities also include quality improvement, laboratory management and administration, teaching, research, and health education.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities are excellent, and salaries are increasing due to increased demand and high vacancy rates in many areas of the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% increase in job growth between 2018 and 2028 for cytologists. Expected job placement for graduates is near 100 percent. Nationally, annual salaries for a cytologist range from $66,566 to $95,169 with an average salary of $80,863. The salary range for a cytology supervisor is $90,000-$120,000. Sign-on bonuses and relocation packages are often available as incentives from employers.
Cytologists work in a variety of health care settings. These settings include hospitals, clinics, universities, commercial laboratories, public health organizations, and bio-technology industries.
A Career in Cytology Offers You So Much
- Cytologists enjoy helping people and derive the personal reward associated with saving lives from cancer.
- Cytologists help pathologists render diagnoses and allow surgeons and oncologists (cancer doctors) to plan treatments.
- Cytologists is ideal for people who are fascinated by looking through a microscope at cell samples.
- Cytologists embrace challenge and responsibility.
- Cytologists are problem solvers and work well under pressure.
- Cytologists are reliable, set high standards for themselves, and expect quality in the work that they perform.
- Cytologists are respected members of the health care team.
