Occupation AtlasCytotechnologists
O*NET · 29-2011.02
Cytotechnologists
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
Also called Certified Cytotechnologist · Cytologist · Cytology Applications Specialist · Cytology Coordinator · Cytology Technical Specialist · Cytopathology Technologist · Cytotechnologist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Histology Technicians
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative6.06
- R Realistic5.92
- C Conventional4.89
- S Social2.41
- E Enterprising1.84
- A Artistic1.10
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (46%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (32%)
- On-the-job training
- None or short demonstration (27%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- SciencebasicImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Service OrientationImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- PersuasionImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- NegotiationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- RepairingImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- ProgrammingImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.4
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.Importance 5.0
- Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.Importance 5.0
- Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.Importance 5.0
- Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.Importance 4.9
- Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.Importance 4.8
- Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.Importance 4.8
- Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.Importance 4.7
- Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.Importance 4.7
- Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.Importance 4.3
- Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.Importance 4.1
- Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.Importance 4.0
- Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.Importance 3.7
Show the other 1
- Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.Importance 2.4
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- BiologyImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- English LanguageImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- ChemistryImportance 2.7Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.5Level 2.8
Show all 33
- MathematicsImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- MechanicalImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- PsychologyImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.4Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- TransportationImportance 1.4Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.1Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
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- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Control PrecisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Response OrientationImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
Show all 41
- Processing InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.1Level 2.7
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.5Level 2.8
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
39 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (5)
- Ansible software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (34)
- Antek HealthWare LabDAQ
- Aspyra CyberLAB
- Cerner Millennium PathNet
- Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
- ClinLab LIS
- Comp Pro Med Polytech
- CPSI CPSI System
- CSS CLS-2000
- Custom Software Systems StarLab
- Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
- EpicLab Laboratory Information System
- eTeleNext LIS
- Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
- Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS
- Fortius Lab Systems Clinical LIS
- GE Healthcare Centricity Laboratory
- Healthvision TDSynergy LIS
- HEX Laboratory Systems LAB/HEX
- Laboratory information system LIS
- LabSoft LabNet
- McKesson Horizon Lab
- Multidata Computer Systems MultiTech
- NeTLIMS AutoLIMS Core Lab
- Omnitech OMNILAB
- Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
- Prognosis Innovation Healthcare ChartAccess
- Psyche Systems LabWeb
- Quality Software Systems LabHealth
- SCC Soft Computer SoftLab
- Schuyler House SchuyLab
- Seacoast Laboratory Data Systems SurroundLab Plus
- Siemens NOVIUS Lab
- STARLIMS
- Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Histology Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Repairing −0.7, Instructing −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Food Science Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming −0.6, Service Orientation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis +0.7, Negotiation +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Agricultural Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming −0.6, Quality Control Analysis −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Systems Analysis +0.9, Systems Evaluation +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Equipment Selection +0.7, Operations Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.9, Mathematics −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Dental Hygienists
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.9, Persuasion +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.