The demand for clinical laboratory technologists is increasing as diagnostic and medical technology advances. Â These professionals play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of a wide variety of diseases. In this article, we discuss the career duties of clinical laboratory technologists, their work environment, average salary and educational requirements.
What is a Clinical Laboratory Technologist?
A clinical laboratory technologist is a highly skilled professional who tests specimens for diseases. They usually work with doctors or other medical professionals to perform laboratory tests and scientific analyses of specimens such as blood, urine and tissue samples to generate data that helps physicians determine the best treatment for the patient.
What does a Clinical Laboratory Technologist do?
Clinical laboratory technologists perform simple lab tests and procedures, such as examining and analyzing body fluids and tissue samples, to identify microorganisms, bacteria, abnormal cells or other signs of disease or infection. To perform the necessary lab tests, they typically use various lab equipment, including automated machines that can perform multiple tests at once.
Clinical lab technologists often take detailed and extensive notes about the procedures and findings to include in medical records and discuss them with physicians. Lab technologists oversee the work of lab technicians and other lab personnel.
While they are not usually personally involved with patients, clinical laboratory technologists play a significant role in the process of providing personalized care. They analyze and generate critical data for detecting and treating heart disease, diabetes, cancer and many other health conditions.
Some clinical lab technologists specialize in areas such as virology (the study of viruses), blood banking, histology (tissue preparation and examination) and cytology (analysis of blood cells). In large hospitals, most clinical lab technologists specialize in one area. In small laboratories, they perform a range of duties.
What are the Job Duties of a Clinical Laboratory Technologist?
The job duties and responsibilities of a clinical laboratory technologist include:
•Analyzing the chemical constituents of the patient's body fluids
•Cross-matching donor blood for transfusions
•Determining blood-clotting abnormalities
•Testing blood for drug levels to determine the effectiveness of particular treatments
•Evaluating test results for accuracy and interpreting them for the physician
•Operating sophisticated lab equipment such as cell counters and microscopes
•Storing and retrieving equipment and chemicals according to the manufacturer's specifications
•Logging data from medical tests and entering results into a patient's medical record
•Discussing the results and findings of lab tests and procedures with physicians
Where do clinical laboratory technologists work?
Clinical laboratory technologists work in a variety of settings, including:
•Hospital clinical laboratories
•Public health laboratories
•Commercial or reference laboratories
•Chemical or pharmaceutical industries
•Biotechnology companies
•Veterinary clinics
•Law enforcement and forensic laboratories
•Fertility clinics
•Teaching and research institutions
•Testing laboratories in the cosmetics or food industry
•Blood donation and transplant centers
Most clinical laboratory technologists work 40 hours per week. Those who work in health care facilities and hospitals that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week may work evening, weekend or night shifts. Lab technologists typically work on their feet for long periods.
Skills to become a Clinical Laboratory Technologist
To be successful in this role, you'll generally need the following skills:
Computer literacy: Clinical lab technologists must be good at operating computerized laboratory equipment.
Dexterity: Clinical lab technologists need to be skilled with pieces of equipment and small instruments. Since they work closely with needles and precision lab instruments, they must handle these tools effectively.
Detail oriented: Lab technologists must be good at following exact instructions to perform procedures or tests correctly.
Physical stamina: Lab technologists may need to work on their feet for longs periods of time while gathering samples. They may need to turn or lift disabled patients to collect samples for testing.
Communication: Clinical lab technologists usually work with physicians and other medical personnel, so they must be good at understanding written and verbal information.
Strong decision making: Clinical lab technologists must have good decision-making skills to evaluate all the options, interpret test results and offer analyses to physicians.
How to become a clinical laboratory technologist
Here are the steps you can take to become a clinical laboratory technologist:
1. Get a bachelor's degree
Most clinical laboratory technologists hold a bachelor's degree in an area such as life science, medical technology or a related field, but you may be able to work in a laboratory or health care facility with an associate's degree after completing an internship. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits bachelor's and associate degree programs for technologists and other medical laboratory personnel.
These programs include both classroom lectures and clinical experience, both of which teach you the skills you'll need to perform various lab tests. A bachelor's degree program in medical laboratory technology includes courses in microbiology, biology, chemistry and statistics, as well as courses in clinical lab skills, education and management.
2. Complete an internship
You have to take an internship as part of your training requirements. You can complete the internship during the final year of your bachelor's degree program or the year after you graduate. Completing an internship not only allows you to gain valuable experience but also helps you acquire work contacts that can lead to full-time positions after you graduate. Most internship opportunities involve shadowing a clinical technologist and performing supervised work in a medical laboratory.
3. Obtain a state license
Some states in the U.S. require you to have a license before you can work as a clinical lab technologist. The licensure requirements for clinical technologists vary by state, but it usually includes earning a bachelor's degree and passing a state examination. Check your state's department of health or occupational licensing board to find out your state's licensure requirements.
4. Become certified
While certification is not strictly required, many employers prefer candidates with professional credentials. You can obtain certifications from professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). To obtain any of these certifications, you must have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Chemistry combined with clinical laboratory experience. ASCP certification is valid for three years. The requirements to maintain this certification vary by certification type, but all require a minimum number of practice hours and continuing education.
You may also obtain a professional certification from the American Medical Technologists agency. To acquire this designation, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited program and either complete an internship in medical technology or one year of approved experience to be eligible to take the written examination.
Career advancement
If you want to advance your career after gaining some experience as a clinical lab technologist, here are some common options:
•Laboratory manager: If you are a clinical laboratory technologist with several years of experience and want to pursue a managerial position, you may consider advancing to a position as a clinical laboratory manager. Laboratory managers are responsible for supervising employees, designing tests and organizing the medical laboratory. They ensure that laboratory tests or procedures are performed with appropriate quality.
•Cytotechnologist: You may also specialize in specific fields such as cytotechnology. Cytotechnologists collect and analyze information on cell variations to help physicians diagnose diseases. They may take samples and examine them from a patient's tumor to determine the presence of cancer, for instance. Cytotechnologists typically work in clinics, hospitals and universities. Clinical lab technologists who have a bachelor's degree can obtain a certificate in cytotechnology to get started in this career.
•Histotechnologist: You may also consider advancing in your career as a histotechnologist. Histotechnologists process bodily organs and tissues for examination. These typically use various types of equipment to prepare and analyze specimens. To start a career as a histotechnologist, you'll need to obtain a certification in addition to a bachelor's degree.
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