Clinical Laboratory Scientist Careers
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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.
Below is a list of some of the various types of allied health careers / professions: