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A career in a medical laboratory requires a four-year degree in medical technology, or an associate degree including a certification. And like other careers in the healthcare industry, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics anticipates job opportunities in medical labs to increase at a brisk pace.
From the period 2008 to 2018, jobs in medical labs are expected to grow by as much as 14 percent, which is much higher than the average growth rate of other related careers. So, job opportunities as a medical lab technologist or medical lab technician will abound in the near future.
For prospects with the aptitude and proper work ethic to complete a bachelor's degree in medical technology (or a related life science such as Biology or chemistry for instance) searching for a job in a professional medical environment can be a rewarding and fulfilling career opportunity. Along those lines, medical lab technicians like a phlebotomist for instance require an associate degree as well.
The Difference between Medical Lab Technologists and Technicians
There is a critical distinction which must be made between medical lab technologists and technicians. The difference is the amount of medical and technological skill needed to do each job. For example, modern lab equipment implores automated computer technology in order to perform a complex and sophisticated analysis such as white blood cell counts.
Medical lab technologists are expected to have the right set of skills to perform and analyze the outcome any number of diagnostic and pathological tests ordered by a physician or an institution. And often, medical lab technologists will analyze these test results side by side with doctors and nurses.
Medical lab technicians on the other hand perform less technically inclined work such as drawing blood or performing other ancillary jobs around the laboratory like the maintenance of equipment. It is not uncommon for a medical lab technician to assist a technologist around the laboratory as well.
The Day-to-Day Work in a Medical Lab
More often than not, the day-to-day responsibility of a medical lab technologist depends on the size of the laboratory itself. But generally speaking, larger laboratories similar to those of a hospital system require technologists to focus on a single responsibility. Some of these responsibilities might include preparing blood samples for transfusion or tissue samples for microscopic analysis.
In a smaller laboratory, a medical technologist may be expected to perform multiple jobs simultaneously. However, this fact does not always equate to a higher salary. Compensation depends on a number of factors.
Annual Income
On average, a medical lab technologist earns approximately $50,000 a year. Technicians earn a median annual income of approximately $35,000. Entry-level positions make a slightly lower salary in many cases. But the projected growth in this field of the healthcare industry is sure to continue to expand in the coming years.
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What is NCCLS?
NCCLS stands for the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. It is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes standards and guidelines for the clinical laboratory testing industry, with the aim of improving quality and consistency in laboratory testing.
Is medical laboratory technology the same as clinical laboratory science?
Medical laboratory technology and clinical laboratory science are similar in that they both involve testing and analyzing samples in a laboratory setting to aid in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, clinical laboratory science typically involves a broader scope of work, including more advanced testing techniques and the ability to interpret results. Medical laboratory technology may focus more on performing routine tests and procedures under the supervision of a clinical laboratory scientist.
Who is in charge of a clinical lab?
A clinical lab is usually overseen by a clinical laboratory director, who is responsible for managing the laboratory operations, ensuring quality control, compliance with regulations, and overall performance of the lab. The director is typically a pathologist or a scientist with appropriate qualifications and experience in clinical laboratory science.
Does photometer used in any clinical laboratory?
Photometer is an equipment commonly used on a clinical laboratory. It has different kinds which can do certain jobs like testing blood samples. The examples of photometer used in a clinical laboratory are the flame photometer and Hemoglobin Photometer.
How to start a clinical laboratory for the clinical research?
What exactly do I need to start off this business?
When was Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences created?
Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences was created in 1970.
What does CLSI stand for?
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
What has the author Charles C Bass written?
Charles C. Bass has written: 'Practical clinical laboratory diagnosis' -- subject(s): Diagnosis, Clinical Medicine, Laboratory manuals
WHAT section of the clinical laboratory will perform pregnancy test o blood specimens?
The chemistry section of the clinical laboratory typically performs pregnancy tests on blood specimens.
Why is there a space for indicating the clinical diagnosis on the laboratory form?
A space is provided to specify the clinical diagnosis on their request forms.
What is a clinical laboratory?
A clinical laboratory is a facility where medical tests are performed on clinical specimens to obtain information about the health of a patient. It plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. Clinical laboratories can range from small, independent labs to large, hospital-based facilities.
Bioanalyst Clinical Laboratory Director (BCLD) Certification Exam?
The Bioanalyst Clinical Laboratory Director (BCLD) certification exam is a professional certification exam designed for individuals who are seeking to become laboratory directors in clinical laboratory settings. The exam typically covers a wide range of topics relevant to clinical laboratory management, including laboratory operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and personnel management. The exam is usually administered by professional organizations or certifying bodies in the field of clinical laboratory science, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB). Requirements for eligibility to sit for the exam may vary depending on the certifying body, but typically include a combination of education, training, and experience in clinical laboratory science. Preparing for the BCLD certification exam often involves studying relevant textbooks, taking review courses, and completing practice exams to familiarize oneself with the format and content of the test. Additionally, many certifying bodies offer study materials and resources to help candidates prepare for the exam. Passing the BCLD certification exam demonstrates a candidate's proficiency and competency in clinical laboratory management and qualifies them to serve as directors in clinical laboratory settings.
