How to become a Cytogenetic Technologist
Official title: Cytogenetic Technologists
Also called: Certified Cytogenetic Technologist, Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS), Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp), Cytogenetics Specialist, Cytogenetics Technical Specialist, Lab Technologist (Laboratory Technologist), Microarray Laboratory Technologist (Microarray Lab Technologist), Molecular Genetics Technologist
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Main tasks
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
- Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
- Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
- Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
- Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
- Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
How to become one
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate's degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 23 universities in the US
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 8 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 343,000 people work in this job now, and about 352,400 are projected by 2035. (+2.7%)
Related jobs
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Cytotechnologists
- Histotechnologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Histology Technicians
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Cytogenetic Technologist?
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. Technicians sometimes qualify for jobs with an associate's degree. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed.
Is a Cytogenetic Technologist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 343,000 to about 352,400 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Cytogenetic Technologist?
Not always. 51% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees; Science degrees.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
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.