Clinical
Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
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 technician 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.
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.
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.
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 US Department of Veterans
Affairs hospitals and US Public Health Service facilities.
Training, Other Qualifications and Advancement
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
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
US 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.
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.
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:
?lt;/span> Hospitals: $40,840
?lt;/span> Medical
and dental laboratories: $39,780
?lt;/span> 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:
?lt;/span> Hospitals:
$28,860
?lt;/span> Colleges
& Universities: $27,810
?lt;/span> Offices
and clinics of medical doctors: $27,180
?lt;/span> Medical
and dental laboratories: $25,250
?lt;/span> 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:
|
Specialty???????Beginning?? Average?? ?lt;/span>Top
|
|
Cytotechnologist?? $16.70????? $21.30???? $24.00
|
|
Histotechnologist??lt;/span>?lt;/span>?lt;/span>?lt;/span>?3.90???? ?lt;/span>??lt;/span>18.00?? ???lt;/span>?lt;/span>19.90
|
|
Medical Tech??????14.00 ?lt;/span>??lt;/span>????17.90????? 20.50
|
|
Histologic Tech?????lt;/span>12.00??????lt;/span>?15.30???? ?lt;/span>?lt;/span>17.30
|
|
Medical Lab Tech???11.40???? ?lt;/span>??lt;/span>14.00??????lt;/span>16.30
|
|
Phlebotomist??????lt;/span>?lt;/span>?lt;/span>?lt;/span>8.10
??lt;/span>?lt;/span>??lt;/span>??lt;/span>?lt;/span>?lt;/span>?9.90?
?lt;/span>??lt;/span>?lt;/span>?lt;/span>?11.80
|
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.
Sources of 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, Illinois 60631
Information on certification is available from:
American Association of Bioanalysts
917
Locust St., Suite 1100
St. Louis, Missouri 63101
American Medical Technologists
710
Higgins Road
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Board
of Registry
2100 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60612
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
P.O.
Box 15945-289
Lenexa, Kansas 66285-5935
Additional career information is available from:
American Association of Blood Banks
8101
Glenbrook Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814-2749
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
7910
Woodmont Ave., Suite 530
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
American Society for Clinical Pathology
2100
W. Harrison St.
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Bureau of Labor Statistics, US
Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition.
