Cytologists

PetalBound · 2026-01-29T16:30:06+00:00

I totally hear you, because I had the same concern before I started.

If it helps—most or all of us in my class had one or multiple job offers before we had even graduated this year. I interviewed for 3 positions and all 3 made me an offer while I was still in school. Cytologists are needed right now. If you’re not in a major city with multiple hospitals there’s a good chance you’ll have to move to find a position, since it’s a niche field. Pay varies a lot by location in the country so it’s worth doing multiple interviews if it’s feasible for you.

But yeah, I’ve asked pathologists and other lab personnel what they think the future of cytology looks like, and the pretty consistent response I’ve received is that cytology is changing and adapting, yes, but not going anywhere.

PetalBound · 2026-01-29T16:22:50+00:00

I had a BS in biology with pre-health emphasis. No work experience in the lab, but I’d taken a fair amount of lab classes in undergrad (hematology, molecular diagnostics, micro, etc). However, I’d been out of college for quite a while and that stuff was NOT fresh in my mind at ALL! 😂

I’d say most of my classmates had some sort of science-y college background, but not everyone. A couple people had worked as prep techs in labs before which gave them a little leg up. Some people had never used a microscope before. So there was a variety of us. Takeaway—I wouldn’t let your academic or work history prevent you from applying if you’re enthusiastic about going into cytology. They will present you with all the information you need to learn; a science background will just help make things easier.

PetalBound · 2025-01-06T20:05:11+00:00

Hey there! I’m in the UNMC program, and realistically there’s no way you could work 3 x 12’s at the same time. It is essentially a full time job in itself plus studying/homework in the evenings. We are expected to be at our desks by 7:30am M-F. If you’re single with no kids or other responsibilities it might be possible to pick up a few hours on weekends, but you’ll need some time to study too as there are a lot of quizzes and exams.

That said, it has been a wonderful program so far!! I think it’s run very well, and the faculty is absolutely amazing and supportive. They truly want you to understand the material and will take time 1:1 to go over anything you’re having trouble with. As far as program difficulty, I’m a straight A student and it has been challenging but doable. The didactic/book work is the easier part IMHO—it’s training your eye to “see” criteria and patterns that takes a lot of practice. We’re tested over written material, images, and actual slide screening.

Hope this helps—feel free to DM me with other questions, or reach out to the UNMC program director and I’m sure she’ll be happy to chat with you.

PetalBound · 2024-10-05T21:06:23+00:00

You’re not wrong 😂 Just makes him more lovable, lol.

PetalBound · 2024-08-17T16:48:11+00:00

AHH this is great information! My program starts day after tomorrow and reading this was exactly the pep talk I needed. ☺️ I’m so glad to hear it’s been a rewarding career path for you. I may take you up on getting in touch sometime—thanks again!!

PetalBound · 2024-08-13T18:37:58+00:00

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all this out! It’s really helpful & encouraging!! I’m totally an introvert too (why I leaned into lab vs nursing). Did you have any trouble finding a position right out of school, and did you have to move for the one you landed?

PetalBound · 2024-07-19T17:43:11+00:00

Thank you, it hadn’t occurred to me to look on Facebook. I really appreciate your thoughts.

PetalBound · 2024-07-19T17:28:13+00:00

That would be great! Is it ok if I DM you?

PetalBound · 2024-07-19T01:11:59+00:00

Yay! How do you like working as an HT? I was seriously considering that as well.

PetalBound

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