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.

What They Do

Cytogenetic technologists work in clinical or research laboratories analyzing chromosomes to identify genetic abnormalities that cause diseases or developmental disorders. They prepare biological samples—including amniotic fluid from pregnant women, bone marrow from cancer patients, and blood specimens—using specialized techniques to culture cells and harvest chromosomes at specific growth stages. Under high-powered microscopes, they examine the number, structure, and arrangement of chromosomes, looking for deletions, duplications, translocations, or other abnormalities that signal genetic conditions like Down syndrome, leukemia, or inherited disorders.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences(masters)Duke University, NC

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(postbacc-cert)San Francisco State University, CA

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)CUNY York College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Mercy University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(masters)CUNY Hunter College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(masters)Long Island University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Farmingdale State College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Stony Brook University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)St. Joseph's University-New York, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Marist University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)State University of New York at Plattsburgh, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Nazareth University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Roberts Wesleyan University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)St. John's University-New York, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)St. Thomas Aquinas College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Canisius University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)CUNY Graduate School and University Center, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Long Island University, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Keuka College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Elmira College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)Hartwick College, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)SUNY at Fredonia, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)SUNY Brockport, NY

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions(bachelors)The College of Saint Rose, NY

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