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CareerPaths
Laboratory Technologist
Diagnostic laboratories can be found at many of our facilities including hospitals, clinics, and even some physicians offices. These laboratories employ technologists and technicians in a variety of specialty areas including Histology, Blood Bank, Microbiology, and Hematology.
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. They may 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.
The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility involved depends largely on the amount of education and experience an employee has.
Job Information
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists 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, microorganisms or disease. 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 routine tests, whereas those in large laboratories sometimes 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 and Immunohistocompatibility (IHC) 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 collect and 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. They usually work under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers. Technicians can receive their training on-the-job, through vocational training, or can earn an Associates Degree.
Work Environment
Laboratories are clean, well lit facilities. Laboratory workers spend considerable time standing and must carefully follow safety precautions. They often work with infectious specimens and must wear protective clothing to ensure their safety and the safety of other laboratory personnel. Work hours vary according to the location and setting and the size of the laboratory and variety of testing done. Hospital labs are staffed around the clock and varied shifts are available. Lab personnel must be very detail oriented, and must be able to work fast and efficiently while following standard procedures and important safety regulations. They must work well as a team to meet strict deadlines.
Job Outlook/Advancement
Opportunities in the laboratory sciences are expected to increase in the years to come. With the increasing healthcare demands of a large and aging population, the numbers of diagnostic tests performed will increase. Technology advances in laboratory testing and processing of specimens will create additional opportunities for specialized training and advancement within the career field. Much advancement is from within the career field itself, and as employees gain experience they can anticipate moving into more responsible positions.
Training Requirements
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists generally have a bachelor's degree in medical technology, or they have a combination of formal training and work experience. 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. When evaluating a course of study, it is important to make sure the program graduates ASCP or NCA eligible technologists.
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 U.S. Armed Forces. A few technicians learn their skills on the job.
Licensure/Certification
Most clinical laboratory positions within Sentara require formal certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel , Inc. (NCA). Additional information about certification is available through the links provided in this section.
How Do I Get There?
Clinical Laboratory personnel need good analytical judgement 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 diagnoses and care. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are highly desirable. With the widespread use of automated laboratory equipment, computer skills are important. Education and experience will greatly enhance advancement opportunity. Although you must meet the minimum educational and certification requirements in order to be considered for an entry level position, advancement opportunities are good and additional on-the-job exposure to other specialty areas is possible. Phlebotomists collect blood samples, and may work as Laboratory Assistants to help prepare samples for processing. Additional experience in collecting specimens gained from nursing or other patient care jobs can be helpful. A wide range of educational opportunities is available.
Related Links
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
7910 Woodmont Ave #530 Bethesda, Md 20814 301-657-2768
American Society of Clinical Pathologists
2100 W. Harrison St. Chicago, IL 60612 312-738-1336 ext 440
National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Inc.
P.O. Box 15945-289 Lenexa, KS 66285 (913) 438-5110, ext. 647 (913) 599-5340 Fax
Virginia Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
8900 Michaux Lane Richmond, Va 23229
Educational Programs
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Averett College
Danville, Va
Central Virginia Community College
Lynchburg, Va
Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, Va
J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College
Richmond, Va
Norfolk State University
Norfolk,Va
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
Clinical Laboratory Technology
Averett College
Danville, Va
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, Va
Commonwealth University
Richmond, Va
George Mason University
Fairfax, Va
Longwood College
Farmville, Va
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, Va
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg, Va
Norfolk State University
Norfolk Va
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Va
Roanoke College
Roanoke, VA
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