Become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Clinical laboratory scientists, also known as medical technologists,* are essential members of the health care team. As a clinical laboratory scientist, you'll perform behind-the-scenes laboratory tests that physicians rely on to diagnose and treat patients. Your daily activities may range from confirming a case of diabetes or strep throat to detecting an early case of leukemia.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist Job Description

Here are some of the responsibilities you'll be charged with as a clinical laboratory scientist:

• Identifying abnormal blood cells
• Identifying toxic agents, such as anthrax
• Detecting a cancerous tumor with DNA techniques
• Performing cultures, and identifying bacteria and viruses
• Assuring safe transfusion of blood products
• Correlating test results with patient conditions
• Selecting and evaluating laboratory equipment and new test methodologies
• Monitoring the quality of testing
• Supervising support staff
• Managing laboratory operations

Clinical Laboratory Science Salaries

There is a job shortage of clinical lab scientists. Many hospitals and private companies do not have enough applicants to fill CLS positions. Your prospects of finding a good job are good.

The American Medical Association reported the following average salaries (and upper-range or hourly salary, when available) in 2007 for a number of lab science positions:

• Clinical laboratory scientist and medical technologist salaries: $51,720; upper range – $72,040
• Clinical laboratory technician and medical laboratory technician salaries: $34,270; upper range – $52,190
• Cytotechnologist salaries: $30.51/hour
• Histologic technician salaries: $40,500 (2005 data)
• Histotechnologist salaries: $44,970 – $49,360 (2005 data)
• Pathologists' assistant salaries: $75,000 – $85,000 (starting salary); upper range – $85,000 – $100,000+
• Phlebotomist salaries: $24,315 – $29,120 (2005 data)

Laboratory Science Work Environment

Most clinical laboratory scientists begin their professional careers working in a laboratory or in an acute care or community hospital. Once you gain some experience, you might work in any of the following settings:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private laboratories
• Public health organizations
• Research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies

Clinical Laboratory Science Training

In order to become a clinical laboratory scientist, you'll need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree program in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. Accredited BS programs typically require course work in the following areas:

• Four semesters of chemistry, including general and organic chemistry
• Three or four semesters of biology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology
• Hematology
• Immunology
• Clinical chemistry
• Transfusion services
• One year of clinical training

Clinical Laboratory Scientist vs. Medical Technologist

The two terms are interchangeable. In the last decade, the profession changed its name from medical technology to clinical laboratory science to better define its role in health care. The difference in terminology reflects that change.

Clinical Laboratory Science Licensing

Clinical laboratory scientists must pass a national certification examination given by The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), or the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB).

California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and West Virginia all require licensure of individuals. Other states require licensure of clinical laboratories.

Graduate School for Clinical Lab Science

With a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or medical technology, you can pursue additional education including the following:

• Medical school
• Dental school
• Graduate studies in health services administration
• Graduate studies in clinical laboratory administration
• Master of Public Health program
• Physician Assistant program
• Doctoral programs in the biological, biomedical, and chemical sciences

* NOTE: The terms "medical technologist" and "clinical laboratory scientist" are interchangeable. In the last decade, the profession changed its name from "medical technology" to "clinical laboratory science" with the intention of better defining its role in health care. However, you'll still see some programs referred to as "medical technology" programs, while other institutions use both names, as in "Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science-Medical Technology."