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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Description
Laboratory tests play an important role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. Clinical laboratory scientists/ medical technologists perform these tests in conjunction with pathologists (physicians who diagnose the causes and nature of disease) and other physicians or scientists who specialize in clinical chemistry, microbiology, or the other biological sciences. Clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists develop data on the blood, tissues, and fluids of the human body by using a variety of precise methodologies and technologies.
In addition to possessing the skills of clinical laboratory technicians/medical laboratory technicians, clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists perform complex analyses, fine line discrimination, and error
correction. They are able to recognize the interdependency of tests
and have knowledge of physiological conditions affecting test
results so that they can confirm these results and develop data
that may be used by a physician in determining the presence,
extent, and, as far as possible, cause of a disease.
Clinical laboratory scientists/ medical technologists assume
responsibility and are held accountable for accurate results. They
establish and monitor quality assurance and quality improvement
programs and design or modify procedures as necessary. Tests and
procedures performed or supervised by clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists in the clinical laboratory focus on
major areas of hematology, microbiology, immunohematology,
immunology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis
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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Employment
Most clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists are employed in hospital laboratories. Others are
employed in physicians' private laboratories and clinics; by the armed forces; by city, state, and federal health agencies;
in industrial medical laboratories; in pharmaceutical houses; in
numerous public and private research programs dedicated to the
study of specific diseases; and as faculty of accredited programs
preparing medical laboratory personnel. While many graduates are
employed in the clinical laboratory setting, career options are
abundant, with opportunities in all areas of health care.
Specialized Career Fields include:
- Clinical Chemistry Technologists - prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids
- Microbiology Technologists - examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms
- Blood Bank Technologists/Immunohmatology technologists/Phlebotomy Technicians - collect, type and prepare blood and its components for transfusions
- Immunology Technologists - examine elements and responses of the human immune system to foreign bodies
- Cytotechnologists - prepare slides of body cells and microscopically examine these cells for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of cancerous growth
- Molecular Biology Technologists - perform complex genetic testing on cell samples
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Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects significant growth in job opportunities in this field. For 2006-2016, the BLS states that available jobs should increase by 12%. Although hospitals are expected to continue to be the major employer of clinical laboratory workers, employment is expected to grow faster in medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, and all other ambulatory health care services.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salary
According to the American Medical Association, the average salary in 2005 for clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists was $44,500 - 52,000.
Clinical Laboratory Science Education
Programs are at least 1 year of professional/clinical education in conjunction with either a baccalaureate or a master's degree.
A qualified program must offer a structured laboratory program, including instruction pertaining to theory and practice in hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and immunohematology. The program must cluminate in a baccalaureate degree for those students not already prossessing the degree but may also culminate in a master's degree.
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Employers seek clinical laboratory personnel with good analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Technologists in particular are expected to be good at problem solving. Close attention to detail is also essential for laboratory personnel because small differences or changes in test substances or numerical readouts can be crucial to a diagnosis. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are highly desirable, and with the widespread use of automated laboratory equipment, computer skills are important.
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Professional Certification
Many employers prefer applicants who are certified by a recognized professional association. Associations offering certification include the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. These agencies have different requirements for certification and different organizational sponsors.
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Career Advancement
Technologists may advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work or may become chief medical or clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals. Manufacturers of home diagnostic testing kits and laboratory equipment and supplies also seek experienced technologists to work in product development, marketing, and sales.
Professional certification and a graduate degree in medical technology, one of the biological sciences, chemistry, management, or education usually speeds advancement. A doctorate usually is needed to become a laboratory director. Federal regulation requires directors of moderately complex laboratories to have either a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree, combined with the appropriate amount of training and experience.
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Laboratory Sciences Professional Organizations
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
American Medical Technologists (AMT)
10700 Higgins Rd., Suite 150
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.amt1.com
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicaog, IL 60603
www.ascp.org
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
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