Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Description
Clinical laboratory scientists, also called medical technologists, are health care professionals who perform lab tests that doctors use to diagnose and address patients' health issues. These problems can include strep throat or even cancer. Employment of clinical laboratory scientists and related workers is projected to climb by 14 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual wages of clinical laboratory scientists in May 2008 were $53,500, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Duties
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Performing cultures is an important task of clinical laboratory scientists, who are responsible for analyzing the content of body fluids and tissue samples to detect microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria. They also might analyze the chemical content of samples to determine levels of cholesterol in a patient. Clinical laboratory scientists additionally pinpoint anthrax and other harmful substances, according to AllAlliedHealthSchools.com. In addition, these health care professionals determine if blood and body fluid cells are irregular or if a tumor is malignant.
Other Responsibilities
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Matching blood products for transfusions is another chief responsibility of clinical laboratory scientists. These health care professionals also detect the amount of medication in patients' blood to see if treatments are effective for them. They additionally choose and determine the best laboratory testing procedures and equipment---such as cell counters, microscopes and automated equipment--and ensure their testing is of high quality. In addition, clinical laboratory scientists might have to oversee the duties of clinical laboratory technicians, who prepare specimens and perform other less complex procedures.
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Skills/Locations
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The ability to use good judgment and work under pressure is important in the clinical laboratory science field. Clinical laboratory scientists must be detail-oriented, self-directed and good problem solvers as well. They also should have good color vision and manual dexterity. Clinical laboratory scientists can work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, hospitals, clinics and physicians' offices. They also can find employment in pharmaceutical company research departments or even public health organizations.
Education
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Clinical laboratory scientists usually must complete a four-year bachelor's degree program in medical technology or a life science, although some individuals can find employment with at least an associate degree in these areas. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits several programs in this field. While in a clinical laboratory science training program, students take classes on anatomy/physiology, biology, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, transfusion services and immunology. Other courses cover computer applications, business and statistics. Students also complete hands-on clinical experiences.
Licensure/Certification
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Licensure of clinical laboratory scientists is required in several states including West Virginia, California, Tennessee, Florida, Rhode Island, Georgia, North Dakota, Hawaii, Nevada, Montana and Louisiana, according to AllAlliedHealthSchools.com. Licensure involves earning a bachelor's degree and passing a test, but requirements vary by state. Employers also prefer clinical laboratory scientists who are certified by passing a national test administered by professional organizations such as the American Association of Bioanalysts, the American Society for Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel.
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References
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- Photo Credit microscope kit image by PHOTOFLY from Fotolia.com
