Occupations · Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

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.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 29-2011.01

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

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.
Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Reading Comprehension3.9

Critical Thinking3.9

Writing3.8

Speaking3.6

Active Listening3.6

Active Learning3.2

Science3.2

Monitoring3.1

Mathematics3.0

Learning Strategies2.9

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Adobe Illustrator●C++●Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft Outlook●Microsoft PowerPoint●Microsoft Word●Python●Cell Bioscience Automated Image CaptureDigital karyotyping softwareGenetix CytoVisionGenial Genetics ShireGenial Genetics iPassport QMSGeniel Genetics iGeneImage analysis softwareImage capture softwareKARIOLUCIA MFISHLucia CGHLucia Comet AssayLucia FISHLucia KaryoLucia Metaphase FinderMetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

4 / 5Considerable preparation — a four-year degree plus several years in the field.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions+2.1 above average

Exposed to Disease or Infections+2.0 above average

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets+1.7 above average

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks+1.4 above average

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions+1.3 above average

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General−1.3 below average

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions−1.3 below average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2021-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Bachelor's Degree76%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.24%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2021-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Investigative5.9

Realistic5.3

Conventional5.0

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Judgment and Decision Making3.5

Complex Problem Solving3.4

Time Management3.1

Social Perceptiveness3.0

Coordination3.0

Systems Analysis3.0

Operations Monitoring2.9

Quality Control Analysis2.9

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

BiologyChemistryEnglish LanguageComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsCustomer and Personal Service

Abilities it leans on

Written ComprehensionNear VisionOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingOral ExpressionDeductive Reasoning

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

CytologistCytotechnicianGenetic TechnologistCytogenetic TechnicianCytogenetic TechnologistCytogenetics TechnologistFlow Cytometry SpecialistMedical Technologist (MT)Flow Cytometry TechnologistMolecular Genetics TechnologistCytogenetics Technical SpecialistCertified Cytogenetic TechnologistMedical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)Laboratory Specialist (Lab Specialist)

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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What changed since 2015

Comparing O*NET release 20.1 (2015-10-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning.

Now listed 8

+Microsoft Outlook+Microsoft Word+Microsoft Excel+Microsoft PowerPoint+Python+Adobe Illustrator+Microsoft Office software+C++

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

CytologistCytotechnicianHead of CytogeneticsGenetic TechnologistCytogenetic TechnicianCytogenetic TechnologistCytogenetics TechnologistMedical Technologist (MT)Flow Cytometry SpecialistFlow Cytometry TechnologistLead Cytogenetic TechnologistMolecular Genetics Technologist

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
microbiologist	2131.4.9	close
geneticist	2131.4.8	close
cytology screener	3212.1.2	broader

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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