Clinical Lab Technicians play a key role in diagnoses and treatment procedure in health care services. They collect human bodily fluids, tissue samples etc. and perform laboratory test in order to determine the function of a patient’s immune system and identify diseases like HIV/AIDS, Cancer, Diabetics or other different types of health abnormalities. They perform diagnostic test with microscopes and other automated laboratory machines. All the test-results of patients are safely recoded and sent to the physicians in order to administer a proper treatment program.
These skilled professionals work under the supervision of a physician, lab manager or medical technologist. Some of them pursue a specialty in areas such as immunology, microbiology, blood bank, clinical chemistry etc. They are employed at variety of settings such as public or private hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical or chemical industries, research facilities, educational institutions etc. They may have to work in day or night shifts and sometimes at the weekend. They may also need to be alert to respond in case of emergency.
Educational Requirements
To become a Clinical Lab Technician, the aspiring candidates are required to complete a post-secondary certificate or an associate’s degree program in medical laboratory sciences from an accredited institution. Students can also pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in medical technology or related health discipline for better job prospects. The job aspirants can also earn on-the-job training.
The common syllabus includes anatomy, immunology, phlebotomy, microbiology, hematology, psychology, chemistry, clinical laboratory practices etc.
Certification and Licensure
Since many states of USA require Clinical Lab Technicians to be licensed, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. The Board of Registry for the American Society for Clinical Pathology offers exam-based certification to these professionals.
Skill Set
Apart from clinical and technological knowledge, Clinical Lab Technicians possess varieties of skills such as attention to detail, competent in dexterity, an understanding of medical terminology, high medical ethics, empathy towards patient, ability to manage complex machinery, a great deal of physical stamina to work for long duration, effective written and verbal communication skills, computer skills etc.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Clinical Lab Technician remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. The average annual salary of a Clinical Lab Technician was $38,370 in 2014.