Frequently Asked Questions

What is the career outlook for a cytogenetic technologist?
About half of cytogenetic technologists work in hospitals. Cytogenetic technologists also are employed in clinical laboratories, research laboratories and cytogenetic-related biotechnology companies.  Cytogenetic studies have become an integral part of the medical work-up for patients with cancer, infertility, and congenital syndromes.

Cytogenetics is a dynamic field, both in technological developments and clinical applications. Moreover, the current needs for cytogenetic technologists exceed the supply of trained staff.

What is the current pay/salary for a cytogenetic technologist?
The typical starting salary of a cytogenetic technologist is around $42,000 to $46,000 per year depending on the institution and region of the country in which you are located.

How much patient interaction is involved with cytogenetic technology?
Cytogenetic technologists do not interact with patients, but their work plays a pivotal role in the lives of the patients they serve.  In the last few decades, cytogenetic studies have become an integral part of medicine.  The results of the work we do can help to diagnose cancer, determine a treatment regimen (type, intensity, prognosis, etc.), monitor response to treatment, allow the care-giving team to set appropriate expectations, and determine the efficacy of new and experimental therapies.

What type of degree or certification is granted with this program?
Upon completion of the program, the student receives a certificate from the Mayo School of Health Sciences.  If the student is participating in a 3+1 program through an affiliate, he/she will receive the appropriate degree from that affiliate and a certificate from the Mayo School of Health Sciences.  As a graduate of the program, the student is then eligible to take the NCA Cytogenetics examination which is recognized nationally.

What are some of the personal qualities that important for a cytogenetic technologist?

A strong candidate for cytogenetic technology should:

• show solid attention to detail
• be able to work well as an individual or on a team
• be motivated to serve patients
• demonstrate a high level of personal responsibility
• be capable of making decisions based on good judgment
• be willing to collaborate with colleagues and ask for help when necessary

How long is the program?
The program is 9 months in length.  It consists of 6 months of combined didactic and clinical experience which is then followed by 3 months of pure clinical rotation in the laboratory.  The first 6 months are a combination of college and work environments.  The course content is broken down into different modules which are learned through a variety of methods (lectures, discussions, projects, readings, etc.). 

How does the housing option work?
Mayo provides a housing option for students (not family) in this program.  The housing is located at the Evanston Heights apartments near the Rochester Community and Technical College campus.  Each apartment has 4 individually lockable bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and living area.  The rent, utilities, and local phone/internet are covered by Mayo. 

Can a student work while participating in the program?
Some students have worked while attending the program.  We recommend that no student work more than 20 hours per week as the curriculum can be demanding and requires consistent review and study effort.  Most of the students that have worked, especially more than 20 hours per week, have expressed that it was challenging for them to keep up with the content.  The first month of the program is the most rigorous in terms of homework, but many of the other units contain a lot of information that is best mastered when reviewed and studied on a regular basis. 

What are the application deadlines for the respective start dates?
Application materials for the August start date must be received by March 1.  Application materials for the January start date must be received by July 1.  The application materials must include a completed online application form (personal info, work history, goal statement, etc.), 3 recommendations, and official copies of

Which biology courses will meet the requirements for the program?
It is preferred that the candidate have a strong background in human biological sciences. 
Courses such as general biology, genetics, cell biology, human biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, molecular biology and biology of cancer all help to provide solid preparation for our program.  These programs are not strict prerequisites, but successful completion of the majority of these classes is expected from a candidate for the program.
 
How should the recommendations be submitted (hard copy v. online version)?
It is preferred that your references, at a minimum, complete the online recommendation section where they will rate certain qualities on a level of 1 through 5.  Additional comments can also be submitted as part of that process.  If the reference would prefer, a separate hard-copy letter may also be submitted.  Reference letters should be sealed and signed over the seal in order to be considered official.  It is best if the applicant can submit all application materials together in one packet.

How is the interview process conducted?
Applications are first reviewed for eligibility.  Eligible applications are then evaluated with emphasis on categories such as previous laboratory experience, appropriate coursework, grades, knowledge of the field and personal attributes.  The highest-quality candidates are selected for interviews.  A few specific dates are offered for interviews and several candidates are brought in each day.  A brief description of the program and tour are provided for the entire group and then individual interviews are conducted by a 4-person interview panel.  The interview is behavioral in nature and typically lasts about 1 hour.

Is it possible to visit the program facilities prior to submitting an application?
Anyone interested in our program is encouraged to contact program staff to request a tour of the facilities.  We are happy to provide a tour of the program facilities as well the Mayo Cytogenetics Laboratory.  Many potential applicants have also shadowed current students.  We encourage shadowing as it can be a valuable factor in deciding whether or not cytogenetics is the right career for you.