Cytogenetics Program
The Cytogenetics Program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
The Profession
Cytogenetics is a highly complex specialty area of the clinical diagnostic laboratory. Cytogenetic technologists study the hereditary material at the cellular level by examining the structure and behavior of chromosomes. Chromosomes are the condensed form of the genetic material. Inherited or acquired genetic disorders may occur when there is a change in the number or structural arrangement of the genetic material composing the chromosomes. Cytogenetic analysis is crucial for patient care in providing diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and follow-up for chromosomal genetic disorders.
The cytogenetic technologist examines many cells from an individual's
specimen to determine the cytogenetic diagnosis. The patient specimen
must contain living cells; the most frequently used tissue types are blood,
skin, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, tumors and chorionic villi. Chromosomes,
the condensed form of the genetic 
material, are visible only for a short
time period during each cell's lifetime. The technologist performs cell
culture, manipulations of the cell cycle, cell harvesting and chromosome
banding techniques. This allows visualization and identification of the
chromosomes so they can perform analysis using state-of-the-art light
microscopes. A sophisticated computer imaging system is used to capture
images of the chromosomes from single cells, produce karyotypes and generate reports.
Deviations from the normal chromosome banding pattern can be either
present at birth (inherited/constitutional) or acquired later in life.
A common constitutional anomaly is known as Down syndrome and occurs when
an individual's cells contain an extra copy of chromosome #21. Other common constitutional anomalies include translocations, inversions, deletions and duplications ranging in size from large to just barely visible at the light microscope. Smaller deletions and duplications are detected using molecular microarrays. A common
acquired anomaly is an exchange of specific genetic material between chromosomes
#22 and #9 in specific cells of an individual's blood. This results in
a specific cancer called chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML). Any
chromosome may be involved in anomalies and many less well-known disorders
are routinely detected. Additional specific chromosomal rearrangements are readily detected and provide a definitive diagnostic for leukemia, lymphoma and many solid tumor disease states. A
ccurate diagnosis permits disease specific treatment decisions. Periodic cytogenetic monitoring is performed to access response to therapy, residual disease status and prediciton of relapse.
In addition to the classical microscopic analysis of chromosomes, many genetic diagnostic laboratories include a molecular unit. Cytogenetic technologists have been leaders in the development of probe technology, FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization), that is transforming modern diagnostic methods. DNA probes, hybridized to human chromosomes, provide information about gene location, deletion, rearrangement or amplification status. Additional techniques that are used to examine genetic anomalies at the molecular level include Southern blot, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and microarrays.
Career Opportunities
Cytogenetic technologists are employed in private laboratories, laboratories associated with teaching hospitals, pediatric hospitals, genetics specialty clinics, gynecological high risk care groups, cancer treatment hospitals, research laboratories of universities and pharmaceutical or chemical industrial companies. They may also work as educators, in sales or marketing or other genetics-related occupations. Experienced cytogenetic technologists may be responsible for the management and operation of cytogenetic laboratories. The work is challenging, much like piecing together a complex jigsaw puzzle.
Salaries
Salaries of newly-graduated technologists vary considerably by geographic region. Generally, beginning salaries for program graduates are between $29,500-$65,000.
Average annual earnings of cytogenetic technologists, according to the most recent survey in 2006, were $52,450. The lowest 10 percent earned $39,500, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,720. Average annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of cytogenetic technologists in 2006 were as follows:
- Hospitals $55,348.
- University $53,622.
- Private Lab $57,283.
- Commercial Lab $61,318.
- Other $51,584.
The average annual earnings of supervisors was $62,712 and the average annual earnings of managers was $81,993, according to the same survey.
Job Outlook
Employment is expected to increase faster than for the average as the volume of requested tests increases with population growth, development of new tests, increased recognition and acceptance of the role genetics plays in disease and with the aging of the population. There is a current 20+% shortage of technologists nationwide (2002).
Although significant, growth will not be the only source of opportunities. As in most occupations, many openings will result from the need to replace workers who are promoted within the profession, transfer to other occupations, retire or stop working for some other reason.
What is a certified cytogenetic technologist?
Cytogenetics Program graduates are eligible to take the National Credentialing Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA) certification examination which is offered by computer throughout the year. This certification is the only one available in cytogenetics, is recognized nationally and must be maintained by continuing education credits. Some employers require certification and some provide additional benefits to certified technologists. Some states require state licensure in addition to certification.