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Cytogenetic Technologist Job Description, Salary and Training Programs
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What is Cytogenetic technology?

Cytogenetics deals with the study of cell division along with the structure of chromosomes. The main application of this field is in the study of different congenital birth defects and genetic diseases involving the study of acquired abnormalities in the chromosomes that are usually found in different types of cancer. The Human Genome project has played a very important role in the development of the new field of cytogenetic technology. It has helped a great deal in the study related to relevant genes responsible for different diseases as well as in the development of knowledge regarding the location and sequence of the fatal genes. Recent studies have shown the involvement of genes in most of the fatal diseases affecting humans. Hence, targeting the genes responsible for the diseases is becoming increasingly important. Hence, cytogenetic technology has shown great advancement and is being applied clinically for diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring purposes of various inherited and acquired abnormalities in the genes. The main application of cytogenetics is in the prenatal diagnosis of the amniotic fluid by amniocentesis and the sampling of the chorionic villus as well as in the peripheral blood studies for postnatal diagnosis. It has also found application in the diagnosis and treatments of different haematological diseases and fertility problems.

Career description and skills necessary for a Cytogenetic technologist

A good background in science is very essential for a cytogenetic technologist to carry out proper cytogenetic analysis of the different specimens collected such as amniotic fluid, blood, and bone marrow. A clinical cytogenetic technologist has many responsibilities. His responsibility starts with the evaluation of proper methods carried out for the handling of the different types of samples for cytogenetic analysis involving proper collection, transport, and storage of the collected samples. He must be well equipped with knowledge regarding the different cell culture and harvesting techniques with proper understanding of cell cycle mechanisms and the biochemistry behind the different procedures carried out in a cytogenetic analysis. Being knowledgeable in the different laboratory practices regarding genetics and its related nomenclature to be able to identify the presence of abnormalities in the chromosomes is required of a cytogenetic technologist. He must be able to perform the karyotyping of human chromosomes i.e. organization of chromosomes according to a standardized ideogram as well as chromosome preparation analysis, different staining procedures including slide preparation, microscopic and photomicroscopic analysis, computer imaging techniques and he must be up-to-date with the new developments in the field of molecular cytogenetics.

In addition to being equipped with good laboratory skills, he must be well aware of the safety protocols as well as the different quality assurance principles applicable in his area with knowledge about the different legal implications in his field. A good professional and ethical behaviour meeting the expected standards of a healthcare professional, is expected from a good cytogenetic technologist. Along with appropriate professional conduct, stress management, interpersonal communication skills are necessary for interaction with patients, other health-care personnel in his work place and public in general. In many cases, proper cytogenetic counselling becomes essential for the family members too, apart from the patient. Hence, the cytogenetic technologist must be well prepared in advance to meet the requirements, when essential with the maintenance of proper records of the patients and having detailed knowledge regarding the case.

Employment opportunities

The cytogenetic technologist has a wide range of opportunities in the medical field. Employment opportunities exist in hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, public health facilities, private medical laboratories, government facilities as well as in educational institutions as faculty.

Salary

The salary of a cytogenetic cytologist varies according to the employer and geographic location. The BLS projects job growth of 10 to 19 percent from 2010 to 2020. According to the survey conducted by the Dept. Of Academic affairs at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, the average starting salary for a staff cytogenetic technologist is $38,000 to $50,000. The median annual salary in 2011 was $57,000.

Educational background

The selection of a proper educational programme is very essential for a career in cytogenetic technology due to preferences of the prospective employers regarding the program accreditation. A bachelor’s degree in cytogenetic technology or cytogenetics from an accredited institution is essential. The prerequisites of the area of study are biology, chemistry, biochemistry or cellular biology, immunobiology, microbiology, genetics, cytogenetics, hematology, laboratory information systems, safety and quality control in laboratories. Pre-professional and professional course works are also included in the professional course. After meeting the academic and laboratory educational requirements, the students are certified by the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) also offers accreditation to the educational program of Cytogenetic technology.
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