#Clinical science laboratory manual

Higher levels of training also are available for those who want to pursue a particular field of specialization. After graduating, a medical laboratory scientist also must pass a certification exam. These accredited programs may be located within a hospital system or a university. While in college, take courses in mathematics, chemistry and biology. Medical laboratory scientists have a baccalaureate degree and have completed an accredited medical laboratory science program. American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.To become a medical laboratory technician, you must earn a two-year associate’s degree from an approved program and pass a certification exam, which you can take through one of two agencies: Look for chances to volunteer in a laboratory so you can see the work and what it involves. Whether you want to be a medical laboratory technician or a medical laboratory scientist, you will want to start your preparation in high school by taking courses in biology, chemistry, math and other sciences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment for medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory scientists will grow 16% between 20, much faster than the average for all occupations. The lowest 10% earned less than $25,890, and the highest 10% earned more than $60,810. The median salary (half earned more than this amount and half earned less) for medical laboratory technicians was $38,970 in May 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $41,510, and the highest 10% earned more than $84,300. The median salary (half earned more than this amount and half earned less) for medical laboratory scientists was $60,520 in May 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This lends itself to great flexibility in scheduling work shifts, which can be especially helpful for working parents.īoth laboratory scientists and technicians may spend a lot of time on their feet. Work hours may vary, depending on the work setting, but most hospital and reference laboratories operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Forensic and law enforcement laboratories.Medical laboratory technicians and medical laboratory scientists can find challenging employment in a wide range of arenas, including: Working Conditions | Academic Requirements | Resources Working Conditions Medical laboratory scientists also are more likely to advance to management positions. They also evaluate and interpret laboratory results, integrate data, solve problems, consult with physicians, conduct research and evaluate new test methods. Medical laboratory scientists perform these same tasks, but because they have a more extensive theoretical knowledge base, they conduct more advanced testing, such as molecular diagnostics and highly involved microbiological testing and cross-matching blood for transfusion. Medical laboratory technicians and clinical laboratory technicians have associate degrees, while medical laboratory scientists have baccalaureate degrees.Īlthough some of the laboratory work performed by these professionals is the same, laboratory technicians focus on collecting, processing and analyzing biological specimens performing laboratory procedures maintaining instruments and relating findings to common diseases or conditions. Evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician.Test blood for drug levels to measure the efficacy of particular treatments.Cross-match donor blood for transfusions.Analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids.Examine and analyze body fluids, tissues and cells.

#Clinical science laboratory manual

Using sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology, as well as highly skilled manual techniques, clinical laboratory professionals: They generate vitally important data for identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other health conditions. Medical laboratory science professionals (also called clinical laboratory scientists or clinical laboratory technicians) are highly skilled scientists who discover the presence or absence of disease and provide data that help physicians determine the best treatment for the patient.Īlthough they are not often personally involved with patients, medical laboratory scientists and technicians play a crucial role in the process of providing personalized care.