Clinical Laboratory Scientist Careers
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Health Care Jobs.
What
Clinical Laboratory Scientists do:
Clinical Laboratory Scientists are laboratory
based personnel who use a variety of tools and
instruments to perform analysis on blood, tissue
and body fluids. Clinical Laboratory Science
Professionals are critical in the detection of
disease along with other conditions, by using
instruments such electronic counters and
microscopes. If you are considering a career as
a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, you must have
an excellent eye for detail and an ability to
work under pressure.
Some of the areas of
specialization in this field include:
- Blood Bank Technology Specialist: A Blood Bank
Technology Specialist is responsible for
performing and supervising routine and
specialized tests in transfusion centers.
- Cytotechnologist: A Cytotechnologist is an
expert in the study of the formation, structure
and function of cells. A Cytotechnologist is
trained to detect changes in cellular activity
in the early diagnosis of cancer and other
diseases.
- Histotechnician / Histotechnologist: Histologic technicians and technologists prepare
slides of body tissue for microscopic
examination by pathologists and scientists.
- Medical Laboratory Technician: A Medical
Laboratory Technician (MLT) is responsible for
performing clinical laboratory tests on blood,
tissue and body fluids. The results are then
sent to the physician or pathologist for
diagnosis. Often Medical Laboratory Technicians
work under the direct supervision of medical
technologists.
- Medical Technologist: Medical technologists,
sometimes known as Clinical Laboratory
Scientists, conduct research and analyze human
blood, tissues, and body fluids. They are also
responsible for administering many types of
medical laboratory tests, and use a variety of
precision instruments. A Medical Technologist
may supervise Medical Laboratory Technicians and
other junior members of the laboratory team.
- Phlebotomist: A Phlebotomist is trained to
extract blood samples from people by venipuncture, skin puncture, or arterial
collection. These blood samples are used for
medical tests and blood donations.
Education & Qualifications:
Education depends on area of specialization.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist programs can range
from certificate level to doctoral level. For
positions as Blood Bank Technologists, Medical
Technologists, Cytotechnologist and
Histotechnologists, a bachelor’s degree is the
minimum requirement.
Medical Laboratory
Technicians require an Associate degree, for
minimum entry level positions. Phlebotomists are
not required to hold any official certification,
but certification is an advantage when applying
for positions. Most Phlebotomists are certified.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Clinical Laboratory Scientists can earn salaries
from $20,000 to $70,000, depending on area of
specialization. The area of Clinical Laboratory
Science is growing faster than the average job.
This is due to the aging population and
developments in technology. Career prospects are
favorable, especially for the Clinical
Laboratory Scientists qualified with more than
one area of specialization.
Find an Allied Health School:
Use the red search box above, to find Allied
Health schools and colleges in your area that
offer Clinical Laboratory Science programs.
Below is a list of some of the various types of
allied health careers / professions: |
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