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Cytogenetic Technologists

Also called: Cytogenetic Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics (CLSp(CG))

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
  • Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
  • Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • biology
  • chemistry
Arts and Humanities
  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • notice when problems happen
Visual Understanding
  • see hidden patterns
  • quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Analytical or scientific software
  • Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
  • Geniel Genetics iGene
Data base user interface and query software
  • Genial Genetics Shire
Project management software
  • Genial Genetics iPassport QMS

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Bright Outlook
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Salary
$57,010
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about cytogenetic technologists.