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Anyone who’s ever waited for biopsy results knows the value of a well-qualified cytologist (formerly known as a cytotechnologist). A cytologist is a medical laboratory professional specializing in examining cells for the presence or absence of cancer.
Classified as allied health professionals, cytologists work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat diseases. In a laboratory, cytologist prepare and evaluate human cellular samples to detect precancerous changes, cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents, and inflammatory processes. They may also prepare specimens, attend fine needle aspirations, and provide quality assurance services in medical laboratories.
To become a cytologist, one must obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, medical laboratory science, or a related field. Cytology programs are typically four-year programs that prepare students for careers in cell science. Students take biology, chemistry, and mathematics courses during their studies. They also receive training in microscope techniques and cell preparation. After completing a cytotechnology program, graduates must then pass a national certification exam to practice. Some states require unique requirements for licensure.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers two certification exams for cytologist. To be eligible, candidates must complete a regionally accredited college or university and a one-year CAAHEP-accredited cytology program in the previous five years. Once certified, a cytologist can work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and research facilities. They may also teach at colleges and universities. Cytologists typically work full-time; however, they may also work part-time or on an as-needed basis, depending on their employer’s needs.
Jobs in cytology and other clinical laboratory technology jobs are predicted to grow steadily, at a rate of 2 percent between 2024 and 2034, which is slightly slower than the national average (3 percent). The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) estimates that 6,000 new positions will be added nationally in that decade.
With an early diagnosis from a cytologist, physicians and patients can pursue treatment options faster. Read on for information about becoming a cytologist, including skills, salary and career outlook, accredited programs, and a step-by-step guide to pursuing this career.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Cytologist or Cytotechnologist?
In short, it typically takes one to two years of schooling after completing a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or biology. After completing a four-year degree, aspiring cytologist must complete an accredited one-year program to pursue certification.
More information about certification is included below in the step-by-step section.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Cytologist or Cytotechnologist
To become a successful cytologist, specific skills must be developed and mastered, including:
- Knowledge of cytology principles: A cytologist should understand cytology principles and laboratory procedures strongly. This knowledge will enable cytologists to interpret cytology specimens and make reliable diagnoses.
- Technical Skills: The ability to utilize laboratory equipment is an important technical skill for cytologist. They must perform all cytology procedures safely, correctly, and efficiently to produce accurate results.
- Attention to Detail: Cytologists must have good eye-hand coordination and attention to detail to accurately inspect cytology slides for abnormalities. They must also be able to document results and keep detailed reports of their work properly.
- Analytical Skills: A cytologist should have strong analytical skills to interpret cytology results and detect abnormalities. They must also have the ability to think analytically when dealing with complex cases or difficult diagnoses.
- Organization: Organizational skills are essential for cytologists to manage their workload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively. They also need to be able to store tissue samples properly.
Cytologist Salary and Career Outlook
The BLS classifies cytologists as “clinical laboratory technologists and technicians,” which includes several medical laboratory occupational titles. From 2024 to 2034, the BLS predicts this career will grow 2 percent, adding 6,000 new positions in the same period. This is largely due to a growing number of older patients needing diagnostic services for cancer and other medical conditions.
Salary percentiles for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are as follows (BLS May 2025, the latest data available as of June 2026):
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number employed in the U.S. | 332,940 |
| Average Annual Salary | $67,350 |
| 10th percentile | $38,910 |
| 25th percentile | $47,650 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,930 |
| 75th percentile | $81,450 |
| 90th percentile | $100,990 |
Lastly, the cost of living in a particular area is a major factor influencing pay. When considering salary offers, it’s important to consider the cost of housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, and other goods and services. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2026) has a cost of living data series that estimates these costs by state.
The BLS (May 2025) shows the top-paying states and average salaries for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are as follows:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $93,610 |
| Oregon | $83,990 |
| District of Columbia | $81,650 |
| Vermont | $80,100 |
| California | $78,840 |
It’s important to note that the top-paying five states are also ranked in the top 15 of MERIC’s list of most expensive states to live. By illustration, cytotechnologists seeking employment in Vermont have the best odds of gaining employment that pays well compared with the other four states.
Steps to Become a Cytologist – Education & Experience
Unlike other career paths, becoming a cytologist is relatively straightforward in its requirements for education, certification, and state licensure. Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming an ASCP-certified cytologist.
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Earn a GED (Four Years)
To gain admission into an undergraduate program, aspiring cytologists must first complete high school or obtain a GED. High school students who want to become cytologists should take biology, math, and chemistry classes as much as possible. Internship opportunities that include laboratory skills are also recommended.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (four years)
To be eligible for certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. This degree can be in any field, although aspiring cytologist can look for cytology, life science, or medical laboratory science degree programs.
The cytology & cell sciences program at Thomas Jefferson University is no longer offered. However, the school offers a bachelor of science degree in medical laboratory science. This program offers a degree completion program that enables students to complete a bachelor’s degree in one or two years or earn a dual degree or a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program.
Students may also opt for a master of science in cytology. Students may complete this program as a dual degree with BS in health sciences with the cytology concentration. They may also complete the master’s in one or two years.
Students who have a BS with at least 30 science credits may wish to complete a graduate certificate in specific areas of clinical or research laboratory practices. The certificate programs are available on-campus or online. Students choosing the online mode must be employed in an accredited laboratory that can provide training.
The bachelor and masters programs are offered on-campus through the College of Health Professions, and the teaching and administrative faculty are ASCP-certified.
Students for admission to the bachelor’s degree must have already completed 55 credits. Additionally, students in this program will complete 66 credits for a total of 121 credits. Students wishing to enroll in the master’s degree program must have already completed 82 credits. Their course work includes 59.5 credits, for a total of 141.5. Courses include molecular biology; immunology; functional histology; principles of cell analysis; cytopathology; current research in biosciences; cytological and surgical pathology techniques; cellular, molecular, and immunodiagnostics; and laboratory standards and practices.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: One to four years
Step 3: Complete a CAAHEP-Accredited Cytology Program (One or Two Years)
The second and final eligibility requirement to be eligible to take an ASCP exam is completing a cytologist program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College’s post-baccalaureate certificate in cytology offers students an exceptional educational experience by providing them with the high-quality clinical and didactic experiences needed to become well-rounded and fully competent cytologists.
To be eligible for this program, graduates must have completed an accredited bachelor’s degree with 20 credits of biology, eight credits of chemistry, and three credits of mathematics.
Made up of 57 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to clinical cytology; introduction to cytology techniques; gynecological cytology; non-gynecological cytology; cytopreparatory techniques; and ancillary studies in cytopathology.
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Three semesters
Most cytology programs are one year but some can be completed in two years at a part-time rate.
Step 4: Earn ASCP Certification (Timeline Varies)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers three certification credentials for cytologists:
- Cytologist, CT(ASCP)
- Gynecologic cytologist, CTgyn(ASCP)
- Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCP)
These three certifications are recognized in the United States and abroad.
In some cases, having ASCP certification meets state-level requirements for cytologists. For example, eight states and Puerto Rico accept ASCP certification as part of their state-level requirements for cytologists to work legally.
Step 5: Renew ASCP Certification (Every Three Years)
ASCP credentials are valid for three years. Certified cytotechnologists must complete continuing education to maintain certification and can keep track of earned credits through the ASCP’s Board of Certification (BOC) interface. Please see the BOC page for detailed information about the requirements for ASCP certification renewal.
CAAHEP-Accredited Cytologist Programs
As of June 2026, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) has accredited 17 cytotechnology programs. Here are four CAAHEP-accredited bachelor’s and post-baccalaureate certificate programs.
Mayo Clinic – Training program in cytotechnology
The cytotechnology program at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences is designed to give students the skills and experience they need to be successful in the field. In just 12 months, students will get more than 750 hours of hands-on training with cutting-edge technologies. The program has a 100 percent job placement rate, making it one of the most successful in the region.
Applications for the cytotechnology program are accepted between November 15th and March 1st each year, and the program begins in July. Cytotechnologists who graduate from this program will be prepared to enter the workforce and make an immediate impact in several types of healthcare environments.
This 32-credit program includes courses such as gynecologic cytology; advanced gynecologic cytology; pulmonary cytology; urinary cytology; gastrointestinal cytology; effusion cytology; fine-needle aspiration cytology; and clinical cytology.
- Location: Rochester, MN
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
UCLA Health – Post-baccalaureate in cytology
UCLA Health’s cytology program offers a comprehensive course of study in cytology, leading to a Certificate of Completion. Students enrolled in the cytology program at UCLA Health’s School of Cytology are eligible to receive college credit through the California State University, Dominguez Hills Clinical Science-Cytology option certificate program.
Upon successfully completing the cytology program at UCLA Health, students are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification examination.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
University of Arkansas – BS in cytology
The cytology program at the University of Arkansas is a degree completion program that can be completed in three semesters. Graduates of the cytology program are eligible to apply for the certification examination in cytology given by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.
Applicants to the program must have completed 80 credits of courses in English, mathematics, fine arts & humanities, and social sciences to be eligible for the program. All accepted applicants must consent to a criminal background check and drug screen before matriculation. Most clinical sites require background checks and drug screens during the didactic and clinical phases of the program.
This 40-credit program includes courses such as introduction to cytology; gynecological cytopathology; molecular diagnostics; comprehensive cytology; and non-gynecological cytopathology.
- Location: Little Rock, AR
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Indiana University – BS in cytotechnology
The cytotechnology program at Indiana University is designed to prepare students for a career in clinical cytology. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, enabling them to function as competent cytotechnologists.
Upon completing the program, students will be eligible for certification by the ASCP’s Board of Certification. Graduates of the program should be prepared for management, supervisory, and educational responsibilities and should seek ways to contribute to the growing knowledge in clinical cytotechnology.
The program’s curriculum includes courses such as gynecologic cytology; pulmonary cytology; techniques in medical cytology; cytology of fine needle aspiration; investigations in cytopathology; cytology of body fluids; cytology of the gastrointestinal tract; and urinary tract cytology.
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
