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Cytologists are clinical laboratory workers who help
medical scientists identify the presence of disease in tissue samples. They
receive samples from physicians, label and store them, prepare microscope
slides, and aid in experiments. A person who wants to become a cytologist
usually needs to receive a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or
university and complete at least one year of supervised training. In addition, a
new cytologist is typically required to pass a detailed examination in order to
earn a regional license.An individual who wants to become a cytologist can apply
for admissions to a cytology or biology program at a four-year university. An
undergraduate can takes several advanced courses in life science, chemistry, and
physiology to become familiar with the structure and function of different types
of cells. Many students also enroll in communications, statistics, and computer
science classes to develop important skills they will need in their eventual
careers. While pursuing a bachelor's degree, a student who wants to become a
cytologist can improve his or her understanding of the position by applying for
university research assistant positions or internships at local hospitals. A
research assistant has the opportunity to work with science professors in modern
laboratories, designing and conducting detailed experiments. As an intern, a
student can gain important practical experience under the supervision of
established cytologists and pathologists. Gaining experience can significantly
improve a person's chances of finding work after graduation. After earning a
degree, an individual can take a written licensing exam to officially become a
cytologist. Exams, which are administered by regional or national governing
boards, test a cytologist's knowledge of common terminology and techniques. In
addition to earning a license, a person can pursue voluntary certification from
an accredited national organization to improve his or her credentials and
chances of finding employment. In the United States, the American Society for
Clinical Pathology (ASCP) provides certification to successful test-takers. Most
other countries feature organizations similar to the ASCP to certify new
cytologists. A licensed cytologist can pursue full-time employment at a general
hospital, clinic, or private specialist's office. In most settings, new
employees receive several weeks of intensive training followed by about a year
of supervised practice before they are allowed to work independently. With
experience, an individual may be able to become a cytologist supervisor at a
clinical laboratory. Many cytologists decide to pursue continuing education in
order to become pathologists. |
