Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Professionals in the clinical laboratory science field use microscopes and computerized equipment to analyze bodily fluids and cells. To learn more about training programs and job opportunities in this field, keep reading.

Inside Clinical Laboratory Science

Clinical laboratory technicians and technologists often work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, hospitals and physicians' offices. These professionals conduct laboratory tests that are used by physicians and other medical workers to diagnose, treat and prevent disease or infection. Common duties include compiling and analyzing data, communicating results to physicians and working safely with potentially hazardous materials.

The field of clinical laboratory science includes several options for training and employment. Study.com has many resources that can help you decide which academic or career path is right for you.

Education Overview

A student may earn an associate's degree to obtain a position as a clinical laboratory or medical technician. Medical technicians often work under the supervision of medical or clinical laboratory technologists. A position as a medical technologist requires a bachelor's degree. Medical technologists often perform more complex testing and analytical procedures within the laboratory. These professionals may also train lab personnel and set up quality assurance programs. With enough experience, technologists can advance to managerial positions; earning a master's or doctoral degree might lead to additional career opportunities as well.

Certification and licensure requirements for technicians and technologists vary from state to state. Some professional organizations that offer voluntary certification include the American Medical Technologists and the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

There are multiple training options for aspiring clinical laboratory workers, including associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs. Read the articles below to learn more.

Distance Learning

Although any degree program in laboratory and medical technology will require the student to spend a significant amount of time in a laboratory setting, some coursework may be completed online at the associate's or bachelor's degree level. The following articles describe a few of these distance education opportunities in further detail.

Specialization Options

The Study.com articles listed below discuss possible specializations within the field of clinical laboratory sciences.

Career Options

The following articles examine typical job duties for medical laboratory technicians and technologists.

Employment Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists was $58,430 in 2013. The same year, clinical laboratory technicians earned a median annual income of $37,970 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also reported that the number of employed workers in this field was expected to increase by 22% from 2012-2022, which is faster than the average of 11% for all occupations.

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