Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Cooperation
Tasks
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
- Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
- Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Technology Skills
- Object or component oriented development software
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Information Ordering
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Molecular Diagnostics TechnologistCertifying Organization
American Medical Technologists
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified CytotechnologistCertifying Organization
International Academy of Cytology
Type
Core
Certificate name
Technologist in CytogeneticsCertifying Organization
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $41,870 |
| Median (50%) | $56,208 |
| High (90%) | $93,731 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | N/A |
| Mid Level | N/A |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 344,200 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 362,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 5%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 5%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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