Cytotechnologist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

This occupation has not yet received an official NOC code. However, it is considered similar to the following historical NOC codes. CAUTION—As this occupation is only similar to these NOC codes, related details and labour market information may not be accurate:

• 2006 NOC: Medical Laboratory Technologists (3211.1);  Pathologists Assistants (3211.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists Assistants (D211) 
• 2011 NOC: Medical laboratory technologists (3211) 
• 2016 NOC: Medical laboratory technologists (3211) 

Cytotechnologists are specialized medical laboratory technologists. In general, they use microscopes to examine cell samples. They do this to detect and identify cellular abnormalities. They also:

• Prepare cell samples for examination and analysis
• Evaluate and interpret the shape, size, and colour of cells
• Report findings to supervising pathologists or physicians
• Perform manual and automated testing on clinical samples
• Help doctors prepare samples, such as with fine-needle aspiration biopsies
• Follow environmental, health, and safety procedures to handle and dispose of hazardous materials

Working hours for cytotechnologists vary depending on the type of laboratory. Research laboratories usually operate only on weekdays. In diagnostic clinical laboratories, cytotechnologists work all hours. They may do rotating shifts of days, evenings, and nights, including weekends and holidays.

Lab work involves considerable neck, shoulder, and back strain. This comes with sitting or standing at a microscope and using other equipment for long periods. They must follow standard safety precautions to avoid infection or injury. They must do this at all times, whether working with patients, specimens, or hazardous chemicals.

Cytotechnologists need:

• Integrity and a professional attitude
• An interest in cell biology and tumour formation
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Colour and form perception to study cells
• Communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• The ability to do repetitive tasks, such as screening a large volume of slides, for long periods of time

They should enjoy being methodical, analyzing results, and establishing procedures. They should be comfortable using computers. They also should enjoy working with specialized instruments for accurate and precise testing.

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

• An increased human need (for example, for early cancer detection)
• Technological advances
• Greater specialization within an occupation.

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation but future demand for cytotechnologists is unknown. 

Cytotechnologists work for:

• Hospital laboratories
• Private laboratories
• Fertility clinics
• Post-secondary schools
• Research laboratories

Most job opportunities are in large urban centres. With further education and experience, cytotechnologists may move into supervisory positions in laboratories. They also may take administrative, teaching, or marketing positions.

Cytotechnologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3211: Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants.  In Alberta, 89% of people employed in this classification work in the Health Care and Social Assistance (pdf) industry.

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• Size of the occupation

In Alberta, the D211: Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists Assistants occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.7% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 74 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) website: www.csmls.org

College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta website: cmlta.org

Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: www.hsaa.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.