Clinical lab techs learn to perform a variety of lab tests.
Clinical lab technologists and clinical lab technicians perform lab testing that plays a significant role in detecting, diagnosing and treating disease. These health professionals are also referred to as medical lab technologists and medical lab technicians. Clinical lab tech training is sometimes done on the job, but usually requires training leading to a certificate, an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree.
Clinical Lab Technician
A high school diploma is required for candidates interested in formal clinical lab tech training. Certificate programs are available in hospitals, vocational schools and the armed forces, while associate's degree programs are offered in junior colleges and community colleges. Students are trained in the classroom and in laboratories, and they learn to perform a variety of tests on tissue samples, blood and urine.
Clinical Lab Technologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level jobs as a clinical lab technologist generally require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. At a college or university, lab technologist students study courses such as pathology, microbiology and chemistry. They are trained to perform both routine diagnostic tests and highly complex tests. They learn to use sophisticated equipment such as cell counters and microscopes to search for bacteria and parasites, and they analyze the chemical contents of body fluids.
Skills Needed and Job Duties
Becoming either a lab technician or technologist requires a person who is detail-oriented and has good analytical judgment. Candidates should be comfortable using a computer and have good manual dexterity. Tests they are trained to perform include biological, microscopic, immunologic and hematological tests. They learn to analyze samples for chemical reactions or levels of blood glucose and cholesterol. Lab techs are thoroughly trained in sterilization and infection control.
Advancement
Lab technicians may continue their studies in order to eventually become technologists. Technologists can be promoted to supervisory positions with added education or experience. Certification is not required, but certification from a professional organization can lead to better pay and job prospects. Organizations offering certification include the American Medical Technologists and the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. A graduate degree is needed to become a laboratory director.
Considerations
Clinical lab technicians perform less complex tests than lab technologists. Both can work in a general lab setting or specialize in a particular area of testing, such as identification of bacteria or analyzing hormonal content of body fluids. Many procedures are becoming more and more automated, so the role of clinical lab tech is often more analytical and less hands-on.
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