Cytogenetic Technologists

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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.

Sample of reported job titles: Certified Cytogenetic Technologist, Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS), Cytogenetic Technologist, Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp), Cytogenetics Technical Specialist, Cytogenetics Technologist, Molecular Genetics Technologist

Tasks

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Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
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.
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.

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Technology Skills

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Analytical or scientific software — Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture; Geniel Genetics iGene; Lucia MFISH; MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping (see all 14 examples)
Customer relationship management CRM software
Data base user interface and query software — Genial Genetics iPassport QMS; Genial Genetics Shire
Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Object or component oriented development software — C++ ; Python
Office suite software — Microsoft Office
Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
Word processing software — Microsoft Word

Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.

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Knowledge

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Biology — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Chemistry — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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Skills

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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Abilities

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Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Work Activities

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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Detailed Work Activities

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Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
Determine protocols for medical procedures.
Collect biological specimens from patients.
Prepare official health documents or records.
Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.
Monitor medical facility activities to ensure adherence to standards or regulations.
Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
Maintain medical facility records.
Supervise technical medical personnel.
Prepare healthcare training materials.
Train medical providers.

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Work Context

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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 90% responded “Extremely important.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 86% responded “Every day.”
Time Pressure — 81% responded “Every day.”
Frequency of Decision Making — 86% responded “Every day.”
Electronic Mail — 70% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 76% responded “Extremely important.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 70% responded “Every day.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 67% responded “Very important results.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 57% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Consequence of Error — 57% responded “Extremely serious.”
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 52% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Sitting — 57% responded “More than half the time.”
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 52% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 38% responded “Extremely important.”
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 52% responded “Every day.”
Telephone — 48% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 43% responded “Some freedom.”
Physical Proximity — 50% responded “Moderately close (at arm’s length).”
Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 38% responded “High responsibility.”
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 38% responded “Limited freedom.”
Contact With Others — 33% responded “Contact with others most of the time.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 76% responded “40 hours.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 33% responded “Never.”

Job Zone

Title	Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education	Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some do not.
Related Experience	A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples	Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
SVP Range	(7.0 to < 8.0)

Education

Percentage of Respondents	Education Level Required
76	Bachelor’s degree
24	Post-baccalaureate certificate

Credentials

Interests

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Interest code: IRC Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.

Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Work Values

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Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Related Occupations

All 9 displayed

19-4012.00	Agricultural Technicians
19-4013.00	Food Science Technicians
19-4021.00	Biological Technicians
19-4031.00	Chemical Technicians
19-4092.00	Forensic Science Technicians
29-2011.00	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
29-2011.02	Cytotechnologists Bright Outlook
29-2012.00	Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
29-2099.01	Neurodiagnostic Technologists

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