Lab Technologist Training
Lab technologists perform various tests on tissue and fluid samples from the human body, including blood, saliva, urine, skin or hair. Microscopic assessment and complex testing are used to examine these specimens. After evaluating specimens, lab technologists analyze the results and then create a report for diagnostic purposes by medical professionals. Lab technologists must have the proper education as a part of their training and, depending on the state where they're employed, licensing and certification may be required.
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Coursework
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Completing college-level coursework is the first step to becoming a lab technologist. Training takes place at an accredited college or university, hospital or in the armed forces. Instruction is given on various subjects that are related to this profession, including phlebotomy, psychology, medical terminology, chemistry, mathematics and biological sciences. Other coursework includes cellular biotechnology, urinalysis and serology.
Requirements
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Bachelor's degrees are required for individuals who desire to become lab technologists, but people can obtain employment within this field as lab technicians once they earn their associate's. This will allow them to gain practical experience and to earn a living while they work toward their bachelor's degree. Lab technologists are required to have a four-year education because they are given more responsibility with their position. Technologists perform more complex procedures and testing than technicians. They normally occupy the director's position within a clinical laboratory department and they are also given charge of technicians. Licensing, registration and certification vary by each state.
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Skills
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Analytical judgment and the ability to work well under pressure are other skills that lab technologists must possess in order to be effective. Paying attention to details and problem solving are a normal part of a lab technologist's daily routine. Extra training with computer skills may be necessary since automated laboratory equipment has become standard within this field. Colleges or universities and some hospitals offer training courses for improving job-related skills for laboratory technologists.
Promotion
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Technologists who desire to become directors of departments or who wish to work with manufacturers in product, sales,and marketing positions must have a bachelor's or master's degree. Chief medical technologists within a major hospital must also possess a high level of education and training in addition to experience in order to occupy this position. Advanced coursework for lab technologists include classes such as clinical laboratory instrumentation, hematology and diagnostic immunology.
Salary
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Median salaries for Lab Technologists are close to $54,000 annually. Lower-end workers within this profession are paid a salary of $36,000. Higher-paid medical technologists earn close to $75,000 per year. Lab technologists who specialize in more than one area can have the potential to earn a greater income. This profession is expected to grow 12 percent by the year 2018.
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References
- Photo Credit medical inventory image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
