This paper provides an overview of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, examining the scope of their work in healthcare settings, the educational pathways required to enter the field, and the certification and licensing standards that govern practice. The paper also addresses career outlook, noting projected job growth through 2018 driven by advances in genetic testing, biomarker research, and PCR technology. Drawing on occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and allied health career resources, the paper offers a practical introduction to the profession for students exploring careers in clinical laboratory science.
Clinical laboratory analysis plays a vital function in the discovery, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory technologists — also known as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologists — carry out the majority of these analyses. Clinical laboratory professionals examine body fluids and cells, test for parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms, match blood for transfusions, analyze the chemical composition of fluids, and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment.
Technologists also prepare samples for assessment, count cells, and identify irregular cells in blood and body fluids. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory instruments, as well as computerized tools and automated devices capable of performing multiple tests simultaneously. After examining and analyzing a sample, they interpret the results and communicate them to physicians (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2010).
With increasing automation and the use of advanced technology, the role of technologists and technicians has become less hands-on and more systematic. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment required, and the degree of accountability assumed by staff depend on their level of education and experience. Clinical laboratory technologists frequently perform more complex tasks than clinical laboratory technicians.
Clinical laboratory technologists execute complex biological, chemical, immunologic, hematological, microscopic, and bacteriological analyses. They microscopically examine blood and other body fluids and create cultures of body fluid and tissue samples in order to identify the presence of parasites, bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Technologists also analyze samples for chemical composition or chemical reactions and determine concentrations of compounds such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2010).
The standard entry-level credential for clinical laboratory technologists is a bachelor's degree in the life sciences or medical technology, though it is possible in some cases to substitute relevant work experience and on-the-job training for part of the formal education requirements. Medical technology programs are available through both universities and some hospitals. Required coursework for a bachelor's degree in medical technology typically includes biology, statistics, mathematics, microbiology, chemistry, and more advanced classes in clinical skills. Some programs also offer courses in business administration and computer applications.
The minimum requirement for performing sophisticated clinical tests is an associate degree, as directed by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician Career, Job and Employment Information, 2010). Clinical laboratory technicians are often trained on the job, although the majority earn their associate degree or certificate through vocational schools, junior colleges, hospitals, or the military.
There are currently 467 programs accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) for diagnostic molecular scientists, clinical laboratory technicians, cytogenetic technologists, clinical laboratory technologists, and histotechnologists and technicians. There are also nearly 60 programs accredited by the NAACLS for clinical assisting and phlebotomy. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs are two additional relevant accrediting organizations (Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician Career, Job and Employment Information, 2010).
Laboratory technologists and technicians must be licensed in order to work in a number of states; information on obtaining licensure is available from state departments. Nongovernmental agencies — frequently professional societies — establish standards and certify those who meet or exceed them. Most employers in this field require certification for new employees and for career advancement. Each employer sets its own standards, which are supported by various professional organizations (Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician Career, Job and Employment Information, 2010).
Lab technicians are frequently required to hold a bachelor's degree and pass an examination in order to be licensed. However, requirements vary from state to state and by area of specialty. Many employers prefer to hire laboratory workers who have been certified by a recognized professional association. Associations offering certification include the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Personnel, the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts, and the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (Medical Lab Technologists Job Description, 2010).
"NAACLS and other accrediting bodies"
"State licensing and professional certification requirements"
"Job growth projections and average salary ranges"
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