Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average as the volume of laboratory tests increases with population growth and the development of new types of tests.
Additional Information | Earnings | Employment | Job Outlook | Nature of the Work | Related Occupations | Significant Points | Training & Advancement | Working Conditions
Significant
Points
* Clinical laboratory technologists usually have a bachelor's degree with
a major in medical
technology or in one of the life sciences; clinical laboratory technicians
need either an associate's degree or a certificate.
* Employment is expected to grow as fast as average as the volume of
laboratory tests increases with population growth and the development
of new types of tests.
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Nature of the Work
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection,
diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory
technologists, also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists or
medical technologists, and clinical laboratory technicians, also
known as medical technicians or medical laboratory technicians, perform
most of these tests.
Clinical laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids, tissues,
and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other
microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for
transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a
patient is responding to treatment. These technologists also prepare
specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells. They
use automated equipment and instruments capable of performing a
number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters,
and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. Then, they analyze the results
and relay them to physicians. With - increasing automation and the use of
computer technology, the work of technologists and technicians has
become less hands-on and more analytical.
The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the
amount of responsibility workers assume depend largely on the amount
of education and experience they have. Medical and clinical
laboratory technologists generally have a bachelor's degree in medical
technology or in one of the life sciences, or they have a combination
of formal training and work experience. They perform complex
chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and
bacteriological tests. Technologists microscopically examine blood,
tissue, and other body substances. They make cultures of body fluid
and tissue samples, to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi,
parasites, or other microorganisms. They analyze samples for chemical
content or reaction and determine blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
They also type and cross match blood samples for transfusions.
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists evaluate test results,
develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs, to
ensure the accuracy of tests. Some medical and clinical
laboratory technologists supervise medical and clinical laboratory
technicians.
Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, whereas
those in large laboratories generally specialize. Technologists who
prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of
body fluids are clinical chemistry technologists. Those who examine
and identify bacteria and other microorganisms are microbiology
technologists. Blood bank technologists, or immunohematology
technologists, collect, type, and prepare blood and its components
for transfusions. Immunology technologists examine elements
and responses of the human immune system to foreign bodies.
Cytotechnologists prepare slides of body cells and microscopically
examine these cells for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of a
cancerous growth. Molecular biology technologists perform complex
genetic testing on cell samples.
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians perform less complex tests and
laboratory procedures than technologists. Technicians may prepare
specimens and operate automated analyzers, for example, or they
may perform manual tests following detailed instructions. Like
technologists, they may work in several areas of the clinical
laboratory or specialize in just one. Histology technicians cut and stain
tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, and
phlebotomists collect blood samples. They usually work under the
supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or
laboratory managers.
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Working Conditions
Hours and other working conditions of clinical laboratory technologists
and technicians vary, according to the size and type of employment
setting. In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate
continuously, personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift
and may work weekends and holidays. Laboratory personnel in small
facilities may work on rotating shifts, rather than on a regular shift. In
some facilities, laboratory personnel are on call several nights a
week or on weekends, in case of an emergency. Clinical laboratory
personnel are trained to work with infectious specimens. When proper
methods of infection control and sterilization are followed, few
hazards exist. Protective masks, gloves, and goggles are
often necessary to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.
Laboratories usually are well-lighted and clean; however, specimens,
solutions, and reagents used in the laboratory sometimes produce
fumes. Laboratory workers may spend a great deal of time on their feet.
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Employment
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians held about 295,000 jobs
in 2000. About half worked in hospitals. Most of the remaining jobs
were found in medical laboratories or offices and clinics of physicians.
A small number were in blood banks, research and testing
laboratories, and in the Federal Government-at U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs hospitals and U.S. Public Health Service facilities.
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The usual requirement
for an entry-level position as a medical or clinical laboratory
technologist is a bachelor's degree with a major in medical
technology or in one of the life sciences. Universities and hospitals
offer medical technology programs. It also is possible to qualify through a combination
of education, on-the-job, and specialized training.
Bachelor's degree programs in medical technology include courses in
chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics,
statistics, and specialized courses devoted to knowledge and skills used
in the clinical laboratory. Many programs also offer or require
courses in management, business, and computer applications. The
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) requires technologists who
perform certain highly complex tests to have at least an associate's
degree. Medical and clinical laboratory technicians generally have either
an associate's degree from a community or junior college or a
certificate from a hospital, vocational or technical school, or from one
of the U.S. Armed Forces. A few technicians learn their skills on the
job.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
fully accredits 503 programs for medical and clinical laboratory
technologists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, histologic technologists
and technicians, and pathologists' assistants. NAACLS also approves 70
programs in phlebotomy, cytogenetic technology, molecular biology,
and clinical assisting. Other nationally recognized
accrediting agencies include the Commission on Accreditation of
Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau
of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Some States require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered.
Information on licensure is available from State departments of
health or boards of occupational licensing. Certification is a voluntary
process by which a nongovernmental organization, such as a
professional society or certifying agency, grants recognition to an
individual whose professional competence meets prescribed standards.
Widely accepted by employers in the health industry, certification is
a prerequisite for most jobs and often is necessary for advancement.
Agencies certifying medical and clinical laboratory technologists and
technicians include the Board of Registry of the American Society for
Clinical Pathology, the American Medical Technologists, the National
Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and the Board of
Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. These agencies
have different requirements for certification and different organizational
sponsors.
Clinical laboratory personnel need good analytical judgment and the
ability to work under pressure. Close attention to detail is
essential, because small differences or changes in test substances or
numerical readouts can be crucial for patient care. Manual dexterity
and normal color vision are highly desirable. With the widespread use
of automated laboratory equipment, computer skills are important. In
addition, technologists in particular are expected to be good at
problem solving.
Technologists may advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work or
become chief medical or clinical laboratory technologists or
laboratory managers in hospitals. Manufacturers of home diagnostic testing
kits and laboratory equipment and supplies seek experienced
technologists to work in product development, marketing, and sales.
Graduate education in medical technology, one of the biological sciences,
chemistry, management, or education usually speeds advancement. A
doctorate is needed to become a laboratory director. However,
federal regulation allows directors of moderate complexity
laboratories to have either a master's degree or a bachelor's degree
combined with the appropriate amount of training and experience.
Technicians can become technologists through additional education and
experience.
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Job Outlook
Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as
fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010, as the
volume of laboratory tests increases with population growth and the
development of new types of tests.
Technological advances will continue to have two opposing effects on
employment through 2010. New, increasingly powerful diagnostic tests
will encourage additional testing and spur employment. On the
other hand, research and development efforts targeted at simplifying
routine testing procedures may enhance the ability of nonlaboratory
personnel, physicians and patients, in particular, to perform tests now
done in laboratories. Although significant, growth will not be the only
source of opportunities. As in most occupations, many openings will
result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations,
retire, or stop working
for some other reason.
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Earnings
Median annual earnings of medical and clinical laboratory technologists
were $40,510 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,220
and $47,460. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,240, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $55,560. Median annual earnings
in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical and
clinical laboratory technologists in 2000 were as follows:
Hospitals $40,840
Medical and dental laboratories 39,780
Offices and clinics of medical doctors 38,850
Median annual earnings of medical and clinical laboratory technicians were
$27,540 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $22,260 and
$34,320. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,550, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $42,370. Median annual earnings
in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical and
clinical laboratory technicians in 2000 were as follows:
Hospitals $28,860
Colleges and universities 27,810
Offices and clinics of medical doctors 27,180
Medical and dental laboratories 25,250
Health and allied health services, not elsewhere classified 24,370
According to the American Society for Clinical Pathology, median hourly
pay of staff clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in
2000 varied by specialty as follows:
Beginning Average Top
Cytotechnologist $16.70 $21.30 $24.00
Histotechnologist 13.90 18.00 19.90
Medical technologist 14.00 17.90 20.50
Histologic technician 12.00 15.30 17.30
Medical laboratory technician 11.40 14.00 16.30
Phlebotomist 8.10 9.90 11.80
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Related Occupations
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians analyze body fluids,
tissue, and other substances using a variety of tests. Similar or
related procedures are performed by chemists and material scientists,
science technicians, and veterinary technologists, technicians, and
assistants.
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Additional Information
For a list of accredited and approved educational programs for clinical
laboratory personnel, contact:
* National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences,
8410 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670, Chicago, IL 60631. Internet: http://www.naacls.org
Information on certification is available from:
* American Association of Bioanalysts, 917 Locust St., Suite 1100, St.
Louis, MO 63101. Internet: http://www.aab.org
* American Medical Technologists, 710 Higgins Rd., Park Ridge, IL 60068.
Internet: http://www.amt1.com
* American Society for Clinical Pathology, Board of Registry, 2100 West
Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612. Internet: http://www.ascp.org/bor
* National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, P.O. Box
15945-289, Lenexa, KS 66285-5935. Internet: http://www.nca-info.org
Additional career information is available from:
* American Association of Blood Banks, 8101 Glenbrook Rd., Bethesda, MD
20814-2749. Internet: http://www.aabb.org
* American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, 7910 Woodmont Ave.,
Suite 530, Bethesda, MD 20814. Internet: http://www.ascls.org
* American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2100 West Harrison St.,
Chicago, IL 60612. Internet: http://www.ascp.org