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Cytologist Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Our modern facility features an in-house laboratory, digital cytology, digital and dental radiography, and a Samsung ultrasound with cardiac, microconvex, and linear probes. Our fully equipped ...

Our modern facility features an in-house laboratory, digital cytology, digital and dental radiography, and a Samsung ultrasound with cardiac, microconvex, and linear probes. Our fully equipped ...

Our modern facility features an in-house laboratory, digital cytology, digital and dental radiography, and a Samsung ultrasound with cardiac, microconvex, and linear probes. Our fully equipped ...

General surgical pathology and cytopathology sign-out * Frozen section and intraoperative consultation * Clinical pathology oversight and laboratory quality improvement * Participation in tumor ...

General surgical pathology and cytopathology sign-out * Frozen section and intraoperative consultation * Clinical pathology oversight and laboratory quality improvement * Participation in tumor ...

Sign-out of general surgical pathology and cytopathology cases * Perform frozen sections and intraoperative consultations * Oversee select areas of clinical pathology (e.g., blood bank, hematology ...

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Cytologist information

See Kentucky salary details

$9.6K

$100.1K

$217.1K

How much do cytologist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cytologist in Kentucky is $100,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $217,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Cytologist?

A cytologist, also called a cytotechnologist, analyzes slides of human cells under a microscope. In this career, you analyze a cell and check to see if it is abnormal; this includes looking for cancer or infection. Your responsibilities include analyzing cells from skin, the reproductive tract, digestive tract, or other areas of the body, prepare the slides and screen the specimen for bacteria or viruses, and document your findings. These may include pre-cancerous cells, inflamed tissue, or infectious diseases. While your work is crucial to determining the diagnosis for the patient, you do not diagnose the problem; you report your findings to a pathologist for the final analysis and diagnosis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cytologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytologist, you need expertise in cellular biology, specimen preparation, and microscopic analysis, typically supported by a degree in cytotechnology or a related field and professional certification such as ASCP. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated imaging tools, and advanced staining techniques is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting results and conveying findings to healthcare teams. These skills ensure precise diagnoses, early detection of diseases, and effective collaboration in clinical laboratory settings.

What are some common challenges faced by cytologists when interpreting complex cell samples?

Cytologists often encounter challenges such as distinguishing between benign, atypical, and malignant cells, especially in samples with overlapping features or poor preservation. Maintaining accuracy under time constraints and managing a high volume of slides can also be demanding. Collaboration with pathologists and clinicians is crucial to ensure correct diagnoses, and ongoing education helps cytologists stay updated on evolving diagnostic criteria and technologies.

What are cytologists?

Cytologists are laboratory professionals who specialize in the study of cells to detect abnormalities, such as cancer and infections. They analyze cell samples from various body sites under a microscope to identify changes in cell structure and function. Cytologists play a crucial role in early disease detection, especially in cancer screening programs like the Pap smear. They work closely with pathologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate diagnoses. Their expertise helps guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Cytologist vs Histotechnologist?

AspectCytologistHistotechnologist
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology or related field, certification (such as ASCP)Requires a Bachelor's degree in Histotechnology or related field, certification (such as ASCP)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories analyzing cell samples, often in hospitals or diagnostic labsLaboratories preparing tissue samples for examination, often in hospitals or research facilities
Industry UsageUsed in pathology labs for cancer diagnosis and disease detectionUsed in pathology labs for tissue processing and diagnosis

Both Cytologists and Histotechnologists work in pathology labs and require similar certifications. While Cytologists focus on analyzing cell samples for abnormalities, Histotechnologists prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. Their roles complement each other in diagnostic laboratories, but they specialize in different sample types and procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Cytologist jobs in Kentucky? For Cytologist jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Cytologist jobs in KY? For Cytologist jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Physician - Surgical Pathologist/Cytopathologist

Physician - Surgical Pathologist/Cytopathologist

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

261st of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Physician - Surgical Pathologist/Cytopathologist
Requisition Number
FE04827
Working Title
Department Name
7H600:PATHOLOGY
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Type of Position
Faculty
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Tenure Track Status
Non-Tenure Track
Required Education
MD, DO or equivalent
Required Related Experience
The faculty member must have:
  1. M.D./D.O. or equivalent degree.
  2. Board certification in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.
  3. Licensed in Kentucky.
  4. Demonstrated ability in teaching students at all levels in an academic environment.
  5. Knowledge of pathology and laboratory medicine practices in a variety of clinical, teaching and research environments.
  6. Demonstrated interest and ability in scholarly activity evidenced by peer review publications and investigative experience.
  7. Fellowship training or comparable experience in a surgical pathology subspecialty or cytology.

Required License/Registration/Certification
  1. M.D./D.O. or equivalent degree.
  2. Board certification in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

Job Summary
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Kentucky is recruiting a board certified surgical pathologist/cytopathologist. Fellowship training or experience in a surgical pathology subspecialty/cytopathology is preferred. The successful candidate would join as an Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Anatomic Pathology in an academic hospital-based practice and engage primarily in anatomic pathology subspecialty clinical service and teaching duties. Interested applicants are also encouraged to participate in an active research program appropriate to title series and rank. This open-rank position is available July 1, 2026 and job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
The department (https://medicine.uky.edu/departments/pathology)is an integrated department of pathology with successful programs in anatomic and clinical pathology, a vibrant educational program for medical students, residents and fellows as well as a nationally-recognized research program in neuropathology and research affiliations with the Markey Cancer Center. There is a strong institutional commitment to maintain and enhance research and clinical excellence within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
This position affords an excellent career opportunity in a vibrant and growing academic healthcare center with six healthcare colleges. The university is located in Lexington, Kentucky, a family-friendly dynamic medium-sized city with excellent schools, housing, cultural opportunities and outdoor activities (http://www.visitlex.com/).
Upon offer of employment, successful applicants for certain positions must pass a pre-employment drug screen and undergo a national background check as required by University of Kentucky Human Resources.
Applicants should include an up to date curriculum vitae and letter of interest. Questions may be directed to Amy S. Gewirtz, MD, Professor and Chair, via email: mhollan@uky.edu
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled
Yes
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865