Is becoming a cytotechnologist right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do cytotechnologists do?
Career Satisfaction
Are cytotechnologists happy with their careers?
Personality
What are cytotechnologists like?

Still unsure if becoming a cytotechnologist is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a cytotechnologist or another similar career!

Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.

How to become a Cytotechnologist

In the United States, cytotechnology training programs are offered at the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate (certificate) levels and are located in both university and hospital/laboratory settings. Students may be admitted to a cytotechnology program in their junior or senior year of college or after they have completed their undergraduate studies. Specific course requirements vary somewhat among schools; however, 28 credits of sciences including chemistry and the biological sciences upon completion of a cytotechnology program and three of mathematics, statistics or equivalent are recommended.

Graduates of accredited programs may take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Cytotechnology (CT) certification exam, which is required by many employers. State licensure is also required by several states, but ASCP registration may fulfill licensing requirements in some states (www.ascp.org). An experienced CT with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree may obtain additional ASCP certification to become a specialist in cytotechnology, which is generally required for supervisory or academic careers.