Occupations/29-2011.01

Cytogenetic Technologists

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.

Bachelor’s

Usually a four-year bachelor’s degree.

AI automation risk

74%

Higher automation risk

Human characteristics

52%

Balanced human and task mix

Task orientation

88%

Higher automation risk

A day in this job

Mostly human
Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
Task
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
Task
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.

The tasks we can read here lean on people, judgment, or hands-on work. The AI risk number is still this job’s rank against other occupations.

Core tasks

01Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
02Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
03Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
04Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
05Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
06Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.

Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)

Repeating same tasks4.71
Degree of automation2.71
Time sitting4.14
Originality (ability)2.88
Conflict situations2.38
Hands-on objects/tools4.05
Outdoors / weather1.05
Disease exposure3.86
Decision freedom3.67

Top abilities

Written Comprehension4.00
Oral Comprehension4.00
Near Vision4.00
Information Ordering4.00
Oral Expression3.88
Inductive Reasoning3.88
Deductive Reasoning3.88
Written Expression3.75

Essential skills

Reading Comprehension3.88
Active Listening3.62
Writing3.75
Speaking3.62
Mathematics3.00
Science3.25
Critical Thinking3.88
Active Learning3.25
Learning Strategies2.88
Monitoring3.12

CIP matches

26.0401Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology51.1002Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist51.1005Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist51.1007Histologic Technology/Histotechnologist51.1010Cytogenetics/Genetics/Clinical Genetics Technology/Technologist51.1099Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions, Other

Schools offering related programs

12 of 70 shown

Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.

Institution	Program	Tuition	Admit	Grad 6-yr	Earnings
St Cloud State University St. Cloud, MN · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$9,600	95%	56%	1 yr $63,005 2 yr $62,154 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, MN · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$9,700	71%	62%	1 yr $62,409 2 yr $57,318 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$4,900	100%	27%	1 yr $61,303 2 yr $58,092 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
Winona State University Winona, MN · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$10,500	77%	67%	1 yr $61,218 2 yr $64,791 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$4,700	100%	34%	1 yr $59,576 2 yr $58,479 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
CUNY Hunter College New York, NY · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$7,400	48%	60%	1 yr $58,673 2 yr $55,693 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
South Dakota State University Brookings, SD · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$9,600	99%	66%	1 yr $57,770 2 yr $56,234 Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$5,700	100%	35%	1 yr $55,512 2 yr $52,733 Associate · CIP 51.10
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit	Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology 26.0401	$68,200	12%	92%	1 yr $55,383 2 yr $42,682 Master's · CIP 26.04
Bemidji State University Bemidji, MN · Public	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$9,900	77%	58%	1 yr $54,661 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 51.10
The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology 26.0401	$11,700	31%	88%	1 yr $52,107 2 yr — Master's · CIP 26.04
Howard University Washington, DC · Private nonprofit	Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist 51.1002	$33,200	53%	65%	1 yr $52,107 2 yr — Bachelor's · CIP 51.10