Major/ Career Connections
Major Profile: Cytotechnology (IRC)
School of Medicine
Investigative Interest Cluster
Is Cytotechnology for me?
Find out by answering the following questions. If you answer yes to most of them, read on to learn more. If
not, try one of the other Major Profiles (http://uc.iupui.edu/students/academics/mccs.asp).
Are you investigative, realistic, or conventional? (see Interest Cluster sheets)
Are you intellectual, analytical, detail-oriented, dependable and inquisitive?
Are you talented in math, scientific method, problem-solving and research?
Are you interested in the health field, biological sciences, and diseases in particular?
Do you enjoy microscopy work and have the ability to discriminate subtle changes?
Do others describe you as persistent and precise with a strong sense of responsibility?
No
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Yes
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What is Cytotechnology?
Cytotechnology is a medical laboratory specialty in which microscopic studies of exfoliated, abraded, and
aspirated cells from the human body are performed. The cytotechnologist studies cell samples from various
body sites to detect cellular changes indicative of cancer. In providing a means of early detection, cytology
makes possible the early diagnosis of cancer, thus increasing the chances of a cure. Cytology also serves as a
prognostic tool during the course of cancer treatment programs. In addition, it aids in establishing the
diagnosis of benign disease processes, such as endocrine disorders, and in detecting some pathogenic
microorganisms.
What Courses Will I Take?
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Verbal Communications
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Genetics
Microbiology + Laboratory
Histology + Laboratory
Pulmonary Cytology
Cytology of Body Fluids
Seminar in Cytology Research
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Investigations in Cytopathology
Techniques in Medical Cytology
Normal Gynecologic Cytology
What are Some Related Majors?
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Forensic & Investigative Science (IRC)
Business Computer Programming (IRC)
Biomedical Engineering (IRE)
Geography (IRE)
Chemistry (IRE)
Geology (IRS)
Clinical Laboratory Science (IRS)
Nuclear Medicine Technology (IRS)
Civil Engineering (RIC)
Pre-Medicine (IRS)
Anthropology (IRE)
Health Information Administration (ISC)
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students will develop transferable skills such as critical observation and interpretation of data. Laboratory
competencies gained include the ability to perform and evaluate microscopic studies of human cell samples;
skills in the use of microscopes, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments.
University College, IUPUI
Revised 4/09
Where Could I Work?
Most cytotechnologists work in hospital or in private laboratory environments. Opportunities to advance to
supervisory positions are good, especially in small laboratories. Other opportunities exist in teaching and
research (IUPUI’s School of Medicine).
What Job Opportunities Exist?
Related Careers
Some pursue one of the career options listed below. Those with an * may require an advanced degree.
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Cytotechnologist
Researcher*
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Laboratory Supervisor
Development
Employment Outlook
Employment of clinically laboratory technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the
average. Factors that contribute to this growth are population increases and new types of tests. Hospitals
will continue to be the main employer for these positions yet diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians,
other ambulatory health care services will see significant growth for these positions (Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2008-09).
Salary Expectation
Median annual earnings of medical and clinical laboratory technologists were $49,700, with a national range
of $41,680-58,560 (OOH, 2008-09). The fall, 2008 report from the National Association of Colleges and
Employers finds the average starting salary for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Related
Sciences is $45,995 per year.
What Graduate/Professional School Opportunities Exist?
The Cytotechnology Program at IUPUI is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs. Graduates are immediately eligible for the national registry examination given by the
American Society for Clinical Pathology. Some choose to pursue post-graduate studies in one of the
following areas:
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Medicine
Biological Sciences
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Pathologists Assistant
Education
Where Can I Get More Information?
IUPUI School of Medicine
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Health Professions Program
Academic Advising at IUPUI
Career Counseling at IUPUI
Indiana University Majors and Careers Series
American Society for Cytotechnology
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Cytotechnology Career Overview
University College, IUPUI
http://pathology.iupui.edu/education/undergraduate/cytotechn
ology/
Phone: 278-4752
E-mail: [email protected]
http://uc.iupui.edu/students/academics/index.asp
http://uc.iupui.edu/students/career/index.asp
http://www.exploremajors.indiana.edu/
http://www.asct.com/
http://www.ascp.org/
http://www.mayo.edu/mshs/cyt-career.html
Revised 4/09