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.

Most important skills

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Writing
Science
Judgment and Decision Making
Active Learning

Key knowledge

Biology
Chemistry
English Language
Education and Training
Computers and Electronics
Public Safety and Security
Administrative
Mathematics

What the work involves

Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.

Strongest interest areas (O*NET): Investigative, Realistic, Conventional.

Qualifications and licensing

Most common education: Bachelor's Degree (100% of expert ratings)
Related experience: None (65%)
On-the-job training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (40%)
Preparation level: O*NET job zone 4: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Licensing: Not yet verified. Check your state licensing board.

Check before planning

Licensing for Cytogenetic Technologists is not yet verified for any state: check the state licensing board before planning.
Projection education uses SOC 29-2010 (aggregate); it may describe a broader group.

Limits

Distributions show what current workers or occupational experts report, not legal minimums.
Requirements vary by employer and state; time to qualify is not estimated.

Source: O*NET 31.0 Database (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections · dataset 2026.10.8 · method e3-qualification-1.0.0

Work environment

How the typical conditions of this occupation compare with 911 occupations in O*NET (very low = the lowest fifth).

Levels are relative. Most occupations involve a lot of contact with people, for example, so “very low” can still mean regular contact; the last column shows what workers actually reported.

Rankings compare typical U.S. occupation-level work conditions; individual jobs and employers vary. Data: O*NET 31.0 Work Context and BLS wages (May 2025).
Condition	Level	Compared with other occupations	Most common answer (O*NET survey)
Contact with others	Very low	Lower on contact with others than 95% of occupations compared	40% of surveyed respondents chose “Contact with others most of the time”
Dealing with the public	Very low	Lower on dealing with the public than 98% of occupations compared	75% of surveyed respondents chose “Not important at all”
Teamwork	Very low	Lower on teamwork than 86% of occupations compared	45% of surveyed respondents chose “Important”
Freedom to make decisions	Moderate	Lower on freedom to make decisions than 58% of occupations compared	75% of surveyed respondents chose “Some freedom”
Time pressure	Very high	Higher on time pressure than 84% of occupations compared	65% of surveyed respondents chose “Every day”
Conflict situations	Very low	Lower on conflict situations than 88% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people	Very low	Lower on dealing with unpleasant or angry people than 95% of occupations compared	55% of surveyed respondents chose “Once a year or more but not every month”
Consequence of error	Very high	Higher on consequence of error than 81% of occupations compared	45% of surveyed respondents chose “Very serious”

Work-pressure profile

Time pressure: very high
Conflict situations: very low
Dealing with unpleasant or angry people: very low
Consequence of error: very high

Each part is shown on its own. There is no combined stress score, and conditions vary by employer and role.

Full answer distributions