Medical Lab Director Job Description
A medical lab director is responsible for the operation, direction and administration of a clinical laboratory. The director also must provide a safe environment for patients and staff, such as medical technicians, nurses and administrative workers. The job involves the supervision of all staff at the facility, and many times the responsibilities of budgeting, supply delivery and implementation of all laboratory services.
Other People Are Reading
-
Nature of the Work
-
The medical lab director acts as a supervisor, planner, implementer, and facility evaluator, generally working or on-call for most of the hours that the facility is staffed. Technicians at the medical laboratory examine body tissue, fluids and cells in an effort to detect bacteria and other microorganisms, using microscopes and other sophisticated laboratory equipment and instruments. The director usually does not perform laboratory procedures, but instead works to be certain that each examination is handled safely, correctly and with care, meeting all the medical and ethical standards set forth by the medical profession. This involves continual assessment of the staff, medical procedures, budgeting and the overall efficiency of daily laboratory work. The director usually works at a desk or inside the facility's laboratory.
Education
-
Many times a medical lab director is required to have a medical doctor's degree (MD). But depending on the nature of the work being done at the laboratory, the educational requirements might be less stringent. Some positions are looking for candidates with a master's degree in business, finance or health care related field. A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biological science, medical technology or clinical laboratory science is usually a minimal requirement.
-
Experience
-
To reach director status in a medical laboratory, a candidate is many times required to have at least 10 years experience in a clinical laboratory setting as a technician and be certified through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry and/or the National Certification Agency for Laboratory Personnel. Some laboratories are looking for directors who already have managerial experience in clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, support services or outreach programs.
Salary
-
The range of earnings varies greatly by state and qualifications. Medical lab directors who are also physicians make more money than others. But generally, according to online job boards like JobFox.com and others, the range is between $75,000 to $120,000 annually. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, salaries are expected to remain steady or grow as the demand for more medical services and personnel increases through the year 2018.
Job Outlook
-
Employment opportunities are expected to grow rapidly, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As hiring increases throughout the medical profession, clinical laboratory jobs are also expected to grow, including positions for supervisors and directors. In some geographical areas, job openings or medical lab directors may exceed the number of job seekers through the year 2018. Most of the positions are anticipated to be in laboratories affiliated with hospitals, but some will be associated with independent clinics.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit lab kit image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
