Department of Clinical Laboratory
Sciences
Cytotechnology Program
Introduction
The Profession
Cytotechnologists
are health professionals who practice
diagnostic cytology, the examination
of cells removed from all body sites
to determine if cancer or benign diseases
are present. Cytotechnologists work
with pathologists to detect and interpret
microscopic abnormalities and to correlate
cytologic findings with clinical information
before a diagnosis is rendered.
The
Cytotechnologists make contributions
in the following areas:
-
Detecting
cellular changes with the use of
a microscope to diagnose a disease
or a condition.
-
Preparing
special stains and using adjunct
technologies such as Flow Cytometry
and Image Analysis.
-
Assisting
physicians with procedures like
Fine needle Aspirations(FNA) and
interfacing with them in determining
diagnosis of diseases.
-
Supervising
and teaching other laboratory personnel.
-
Monitoring
the quality and validity of reports
through quality assurance programs.
As
a result of the findings of Cytotechnologists,
the physician is frequently able to
diagnose and treat cancer early before
symptoms occur.
Career Opportunities
The
use of diagnostic cytology as a tool
in the early detection of cancer has
increased throughout the world. Employment
opportunities are available to the Cytotechnologist
in:
-
Clinical
Laboratories of Hospitals
-
Commercial
and Industrial Laboratories
-
With
improved methods of early detection
and diagnosis of cancer, as well as
in increased incidence of the disease,
the Cytotechnologist is ensured of many
employment opportunities with a good
salary, professional mobility, and challenging
work. Presently, the demand for Cytotechnologists
skilled in the examination of specimens
for tumor cells and benign diseases
exceeds the number of qualified personnel.
Upward mobility and career advancement
opportunities exist through professional
experience
or pursuit of advanced degrees.
Career Information
A
baccalaureate degree is the entry
level for a career in Cytotechnology.
Employment Opportunities:
There
is a growing shortage of cytotechnologists
in the United States. The vacancy
rate for cytotechnologists nationwide
was 7.6% according to a survey conducted.
Salaries:
Cytotechnologist
salaries in the New Jersey-New York
metropolitan area range as follows:
| Low |
Median |
High |
60,233
|
65,140 |
69,389 |
Source:
www.salary.com accessed 9/10/06.
Certification:
Graduates
of accredited programs are eligible
for certification examinations in
the Cytotechnologist category. Information
can be obtained by contacting:
Professional Organizations:
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