What Is the Difference Between a Cytotechnologist & a Cytopathologist?

Cytotechnologists and cytopathologists both study cells as they relate to disease. Both actually work together due to the nature of their work, although each has a different specialty.

Definition

• A cytotechnologist is a professional who identifies cellular abnormalities. A cytopathologist is a professional who studies and diagnoses diseases on the cellular level.

Role

• The cytotechnologist prepares cellular samples then puts them under a microscope for examination. The cytotechnologist reports abnormalities to the cytopathologist, who then looks into them further to detect changes in cells that could be important in early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer.

Education

• Cytotechnologists and cytopathologists must have a bachelor's degree from a program that is accredited either by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Skills

• Both professionals need to possess knowledge in biology, chemistry, physiology and anatomy among other sciences, as well as processing techniques, preparation of specimens and microscopy.

Job Prospects

• According to the latest report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cytotechnologists and cytopathologists make a median annual salary of $49,700, with the top 10 percent earning more than $69,000. There are currently more than 300,000 of these jobs in the United States.