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Occupation AtlasCytogenetic Technologists

O*NET · 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.

Also called CCS · Certified Cytogenetic Technologist · CG CLSp · Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS) · Cytogenetic Technician · Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp) · Cytogenetics Specialist · Cytogenetics Technical Specialist
10 more

Cytologist · Cytotechnician · Flow Cytometry Specialist · Flow Cytometry Technologist · Genetic Technologist · Lab Technologist · Lab Technologist (Laboratory Technologist) · Microarray Lab Technologist · Microarray Laboratory Technologist (Microarray Lab Technologist) · Molecular Genetics Technologist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Food Science Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative5.91
  • R Realistic5.32
  • C Conventional5.02
  • S Social1.93
  • E Enterprising1.56
  • A Artistic1.48

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree100%
Related work experience
None (65%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (35%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Writingbasic3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Sciencebasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Systems Analysis3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
Show the other 23
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Instructing2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Mathematicsbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Quality Control Analysis2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Operation and Control2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Maintenance2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Negotiation1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Selection1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operations Analysis1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Troubleshooting1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Repairing1.80.8
  • Management of Financial Resources1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.9
  • Technology Design1.40.4
  • Programming1.3—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

28 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.5.0
  2. Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.5.0
  3. Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.4.9
  4. Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.4.9
  5. Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.4.9
  6. Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.4.9
  7. Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.4.8
  8. Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).4.8
  9. Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.4.8
  10. Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.4.8
  11. Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.4.7
  12. Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.4.7
Show the other 18
  1. Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.4.6
  2. Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.4.6
  3. Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.4.6
  4. Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.4.6
  5. Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.4.6
  6. Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.4.6
  7. Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.4.6
  8. Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.4.6
  9. Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.4.5
  10. Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.4.3
  11. Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.4.3
  12. Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.4.3
  13. Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.4.2
  14. Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.4.1
  15. Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.3.7
  16. Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.3.5
  17. Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.4.9
  18. Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.4.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Biology4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Chemistry3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • English Language2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics2.73.6Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Education and Training2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Public Safety and Security2.52.7
  • Administrative2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Mathematics2.43.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Customer and Personal Service2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Engineering and Technology2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Production and Processing2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administration and Management1.72.0Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Law and Government1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Mechanical1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Physics1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Communications and Media1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Telecommunications1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Design1.3—
  • Transportation1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Psychology1.1—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—
  • Building and Construction1.0—
  • Economics and Accounting1.0—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Geography1.0—
  • Sales and Marketing1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering4.04.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision4.04.5Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Category Flexibility3.94.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.94.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
Show all 52
  • Written Expression3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Problem Sensitivity3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Flexibility of Closure3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Selective Attention3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.02.9
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Fluency of Ideas2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.9
  • Number Facility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visualization2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Control Precision2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Far Vision2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Originality2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Memorization2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Time Sharing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Multilimb Coordination1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Auditory Attention1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.80.8
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Rate Control1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.60.8
  • Response Orientation1.60.6
  • Static Strength1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Strength1.50.5
  • Extent Flexibility1.50.5
  • Explosive Strength1.40.4
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.54.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Working with Computers4.23.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Processing Information4.15.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.85.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Getting Information3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Training and Teaching Others3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.65.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.7
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.52.6
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.52.7
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.42.7
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Thinking Creatively2.22.6
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.2—
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.7
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.6
  • Time Pressure4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.1
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.1

Technology

24 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (8)

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • C++
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
Other tools (16)
  • Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
  • Digital karyotyping software
  • Genetix CytoVision
  • Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
  • Genial Genetics Shire
  • Geniel Genetics iGene
  • Image analysis software
  • Image capture software
  • KARIO
  • Lucia CGH
  • Lucia Comet Assay
  • Lucia FISH
  • Lucia Karyo
  • Lucia Metaphase Finder
  • LUCIA MFISH
  • MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  2. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  3. Histotechnologists
  4. Cytotechnologists
  5. Histology Technicians
  6. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  7. Microbiologists
  8. Molecular and Cellular Biologists
  9. Biological Technicians
  10. Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.