Clinical laboratory scientists often obtain voluntary certification to increase earning potential.
Clinical laboratory scientists prepare and analyze various specimens, including blood, tissue, and cells. Duties range from matching donor and recipients for blood transfusions to searching for bacteria and parasites in lab samples. Due to the increase of computer technology in the healthcare field, lab scientists are increasingly required to analyze results rather than physically conduct tests. According to All-Allied-Health-Schools.com, the average annual salary of a clinical lab scientist ranges from $53,449 to $63,849.
High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Individuals considering a career as a clinical laboratory scientist are required to have a high school diploma or a GED equivalency certificate. Health care workers should have a strong background in the natural sciences. Secondary school courses in chemistry, biology and physics are recommended. Students are also advised to take classes in mathematics, English, computer science and foreign languages. As an admissions prerequisite to colleges and universities, students may be required to take the ACT or SAT standardized exams.
Bachelor's Degree
Clinical laboratory scientists are required to earn a Bachelor's Degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science. Programs typically last four years if attended full time and must be accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). According to All-Allied-Health-Schools.com, students can expect to take four semesters of chemistry, and between three and four semesters of biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry and transfusion services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that most programs require students to complete coursework in computer applications, management and business. Students must also complete one year of supervised clinical training, where they apply classroom and laboratory instruction to real-life scenarios.
Licensing
States have varying licensing requirements for clinical laboratory scientists. A candidate must check with her state's board of health or board of occupational licensing for details. Requirements typically include a completed application, proof of graduation from a Bachelor's Degree program in clinical laboratory science or medical technology, passing a licensing exam and paying the applicable fees.
Certification
Most employers of clinical laboratory scientists prefer applicants to be certified by one of several professional certifying organizations, including the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts or the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Certification requirements vary, but they typically include a combination of education, clinical experience and passing a certification exam.
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