Skills it runs on
The capabilities O*NET rates most important for this occupation — the human ground the work is built on.
See all skills →Cytogenetic Technologists
Occupation · SOC 29-2011.01
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.
Also called: Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS) · Cytogenetic Technologist · Cytogenetics Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CG CLSp) · Molecular Genetics Technologist · Certified Cytogenetic Technologist · Cytogenetics Technical Specialist · Cytogenetics Technologist · Cytogenetic Technician · Cytologist · Cytotechnician · Flow Cytometry Specialist · Flow Cytometry Technologist
Job family: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Take this to your AI
A source-stamped Markdown brief of this occupation — paste it into an agent, or fetch
/roles/role-29-2011-01/context.md directly.
AI work map
A fast read on where AI already shows up in this occupation, where it stays a copilot, where humans remain in the loop, and what the labor market is doing. Built from observed Claude.ai conversations mapped to O*NET tasks and from published research — measures of usage and exposure, not advice or predictions that the job is going away.
Market signal
Independent published positions, read together — not a forecast.
- Moderate AI exposure
- Work is mostly on-site (not teleworkable)
- Both the 2013 computerization estimate and today's AI exposure rank this high
AI & job outlook
What today's research says about this occupation's exposure to AI, how AI is actually being used in it, and where employment is headed. These are positions within published studies — measures of exposure and usage, not predictions that this job will disappear.
Exposure to current AI
Each study uses its own scale, so the raw scores are not comparable across rows — the percentile (this job's rank among all U.S. occupations with data) is the comparable figure, and sizes the bars.
| Measure | Rank vs all occupations | Percentile | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) Moderate | 56th | 0.3 | |
| LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) Moderate | 53rd | 0.6 |
OpenAI's exposure study scores tasks three ways: with a language model alone (α 0.2), with simple added tooling (β 0.4), and including AI-powered software (γ 0.6). Higher means more of the job's tasks could be done at least twice as fast — not that they will be automated away.
This job mostly cannot be done remotely (Dingel–Neiman) — its hands-on tasks sit outside what software-based AI reaches.
Mixed signals. Today's AI/LLM studies show relatively low exposure for this job, but the older (2013) Frey–Osborne work rated it higher for computerization and robotics. Different eras, different technologies — the AI measures above reflect the current state.
Historical automation estimate (2013)
A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
Frey–Osborne probability 0.9 · 78th percentile among occupations · High
How AI is actually used in this job
Among measured AI assistant conversations mapped to this occupation (Anthropic Economic Index, 2026-01-15), these task types came up most. These are shares of observed AI conversations — not shares of the job, of worker time, or of what could be automated.
| Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers. | 2.0% | |
| Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities. | 0.3% |
Where this work sits on the global GenAI gradient
The ILO's 2025 global study scores generative-AI exposure on the international ISCO-08 occupation system, not US SOC. Bridged through the published (and approximate, many-to-many) IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 crosswalk, this US occupation corresponds to the international occupation below. Exposure here means how much of the work's tasks today's AI can attempt — task overlap, not automation, adoption, or jobs lost.
Cytogenetic Technologists sits at the 58th percentile of 427
occupations on the global GenAI task-exposure gradient
— exposure rose from 2023 to 2025. Each dot is one occupation; the
ringed one is this work. Exposure is task overlap, not automation or jobs lost.
31% mean task exposure (2025)
58th percentile of 427 placed occupations
+1 pts shift 2023 → 2025
| International occupation (ISCO-08) | Task exposure (2025) | Most tasks fall in |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians · 3212 | 31% | Minimal |
Read the whole six-band gradient on the GenAI exposure gradient page. The crosswalk is approximate: a US occupation can map to several international ones, and the ILO scores describe the international occupation, not this exact US role.
Tasks
All 30 tasks O*NET lists for this occupation, ordered by importance. Each links to its own page with AI-exposure and observed-use detail.
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes. Core · importance 5.0
- Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes. Core · importance 5.0
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities. Core · importance 5.0
- Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results. Core · importance 4.9
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders. Core · importance 4.9
- Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives. Core · importance 4.9
- Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral. Core · importance 4.9
- Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations. Core · importance 4.9
- Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities. Core · importance 4.9
- Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements. Core · importance 4.8
- Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers. Supplemental · importance 4.8
- Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS). Core · importance 4.8
- Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures. Core · importance 4.8
- Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems. Core · importance 4.8
- Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis. Supplemental · importance 4.7
- Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth. Core · importance 4.7
- Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language. Core · importance 4.7
- Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports. Core · importance 4.7
- Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy. Core · importance 4.7
- Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests. Core · importance 4.6
- Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems. Core · importance 4.6
- Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells. Core · importance 4.5
- Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests. Core · importance 4.5
- Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions. Core · importance 4.5
- Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs. Core · importance 4.4
- Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment. Core · importance 4.4
- Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport. Core · importance 4.2
- Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws. Core · importance 3.9
- Supervise subordinate laboratory staff. Core · importance 3.8
- Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows. Core · importance 3.6
Work activities
- Prepare healthcare training materials.
- Train medical providers.
- Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Prepare official health documents or records.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Determine protocols for medical procedures.
- Collect biological specimens from patients.
- Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
- Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
- Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
- Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
- Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
- Supervise technical medical personnel.
- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
- Monitor medical facility activities to ensure adherence to standards or regulations.
- Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.
- Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
- Maintain medical facility records.
Knowledge, skills & abilities
O*NET importance rating, from 1 (not important) to 5 (extremely important).
Knowledge
| Biology | 4.2 | |
| Chemistry | 3.6 | |
| English Language | 3.2 | |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Written Comprehension | 4.0 | |
| Information Ordering | 4.0 | |
| Near Vision | 4.0 | |
| Oral Expression | 3.9 | |
| Deductive Reasoning | 3.9 | |
| Inductive Reasoning | 3.9 | |
| Written Expression | 3.8 | |
| Problem Sensitivity | 3.8 | |
| Category Flexibility | 3.6 | |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.5 | |
| Selective Attention | 3.3 | |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.1 | |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 3.1 | |
| Speech Recognition | 3.1 | |
| Speech Clarity | 3.1 | |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.0 | |
| Number Facility | 3.0 | |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 3.0 |
Essential skills
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 | |
| Writing | 3.8 | |
| Active Listening | 3.6 | |
| Speaking | 3.6 | |
| Science | 3.3 | |
| Active Learning | 3.3 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Transferable skills
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.5 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.4 | |
| Time Management | 3.1 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 | |
| Systems Analysis | 3.0 |
Skills in demand
Skills employers ask for in job postings for this occupation (Lightcast), with whether each is a common or specialized skill.
Tools & technology
Work context
How characteristic each condition is of the job, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale (higher = more present in day-to-day work). Each condition links to how it varies across all occupations.
How to get in
- Job zone
- Zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Related experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Preparation level
- SVP (7.0 to < 8.0) — total schooling plus on-the-job experience.
What to study: Biological and Biomedical Sciences , Health Professions and Related Programs . Fields of study crosswalked to this occupation (NCES CIP–SOC), not a requirement.
Education of current workers
Share of people in this occupation at each level of education.
| Bachelor's Degree | 76.2% | |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 23.8% |
Interests & work styles
The interests and personal qualities O*NET associates with people who do this work.
Interest areas
| Life Science | 6.5 | |
| Medical Science | 6.3 | |
| Health Care Service | 4.3 | |
| Physical Science | 3.0 | |
| Mathematics/Statistics | 3.0 | |
| Information Technology | 2.1 |
Work styles
| Dependability | 6.0 | |
| Attention to Detail | 5.0 | |
| Integrity | 4.0 | |
| Cautiousness | 3.0 | |
| Intellectual Curiosity | 2.2 | |
| Achievement Orientation | 2.1 |
Career interests (Holland / RIASEC)
| Investigative | 5.9 | |
| Realistic | 5.3 | |
| Conventional | 5.0 |
Related occupations
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists · 29-2011.00 Compare →
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · 29-2012.00 Compare →
- Histotechnologists · 29-2011.04 Compare →
- Cytotechnologists · 29-2011.02 Compare →
- Histology Technicians · 29-2012.01 Compare →
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists · 29-2033.00 Compare →
- Microbiologists · 19-1022.00 Compare →
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists · 19-1029.02 Compare →
- Biological Technicians · 19-4021.00 Compare →
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers · 17-2031.00 Compare →
- Physicians, Pathologists · 29-1222.00 Compare →
- Neurodiagnostic Technologists · 29-2099.01 Compare →
Side-by-side comparisons place two occupations’ pay, preparation, skills, and AI exposure on the same page — same data, same scale, no forecast.
What you can do with this
Options the data surfaces for Cytogenetic Technologists — not advice or a forecast. Each is a real cross-link you can follow into the evidence.
Skills that travel
Capabilities this work builds that are used across many other occupations.
Adjacent roles
Occupations O*NET rates as related — the nearby moves on the map.
Paths in
How people typically prepare for this work.
- Job zone 4 — Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed · preparation tier
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences · field of study
- Health Professions and Related Programs · field of study
Zoom out
On the global GenAI exposure gradient this work sits around the 58th percentile of 427 international occupations.
Write a report on thisheadline · factoids · citation
Cytogenetic Technologists sit at the 53rd percentile of AI task overlap among U.S. occupations
- Cytogenetic Technologists rank in the 53rd percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated.Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE
Copy the whole kit
Cytogenetic Technologists sit at the 53rd percentile of AI task overlap among U.S. occupations • Cytogenetic Technologists rank in the 53rd percentile (Moderate band) for AI task overlap across U.S. occupations — a measure of how much of the work today's AI can attempt, not how much is automated. (Eloundou et al. (GPTs are GPTs) + Felten AIOE) Source: Singulariki — "Cytogenetic Technologists". https://singulariki.com/roles/role-29-2011-01 Note: AI task overlap measures what today's AI can attempt, not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
AssetsShare imageMethodology & sourcesPress & newsroomThe newsroom
Every line is built only from figures this page already shows and cites. AI task overlap means what today's AI can attempt — not automation, job loss, or a forecast.
Sources for this page
Every figure above traces to a named public dataset and the exact release below — not hand-written opinion. See the full methodology for what each measure does and does not mean.
- O*NET 30.3 U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development
- Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27) Anthropic
- “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130 OpenAI / academic
- AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans academic
- ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025 International Labour Organization
- IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022 Institute for Structural Research (IBS)
- Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation academic
- Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome academic
Data compiled June 2, 2026. Figures are estimates, not advice.
Cite this page
Plain
Singulariki. "Cytogenetic Technologists." Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Built from O*NET 30.3; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-29-2011-01
APA
Singulariki. (2026). Cytogenetic Technologists. Singulariki: a source-backed encyclopedia of work. Retrieved June 7, 2026, from https://singulariki.com/roles/role-29-2011-01
BibTeX
@misc{singulariki-role-29-2011-01,
title = {Cytogenetic Technologists},
author = {{Singulariki}},
year = {2026},
note = {O*NET 30.3; Anthropic Economic Index v4 (2026-01-15) + v2 (2025-03-27); “GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.) arXiv 2303.10130; AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) Felten, Raj & Seamans; ILO / Gmyrek et al. GenAI exposure gradient 2025; IBS O*NET-SOC ↔ ISCO-08 occupation crosswalk 2022; Frey & Osborne (2013) frey-osborne-automation; Dingel & Neiman (2020) dingel-neiman-workathome. Accessed June 7, 2026},
url = {https://singulariki.com/roles/role-29-2011-01}
} Citations name the underlying public dataset releases — they reflect what this page is built from, not just the URL.