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Clinical laboratory scientists, or medical
technologists, perform the tests that help
determine the causes and cures of diseases by using
reagents, chemicals, and complex instruments to
test blood, body fluids, and tissues. Because the
tests performed are so vital in medical treatment,
the clinical laboratory scientist must know not
only how to perform these tests with scientific
precision and accuracy, but must be well educated
in the underlying scientific priniciples.
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In addition to performing laboratory tests using
the latest biomedical technology, CLS professionals
also assist to interpret test results in
conjunction with patient information, and
communicate their meaning to other healthcare team
members. They monitor quality, research and develop
new tests and methods, and supervise personnel. The
principle areas of practice in the laboratory are
chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis,
immunohematology and immunology. Career
opportunities exist in hospital, clinic and private
laboratories, research, public health, sales and
marketing, consulting, health administration and
education.
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Students interested in pursuing clinical
laboratory science should have an interest and
aptitude in the sciences, particularly chemistry
and biology. Laboratory work plays a vital role in
the daily routine of the clinical laboratory
scientist and, while direct patient contact is
limited, these individuals enjoy being a part of
the support staff that provides the physician with
information crucial to the diagnosis of the
patient's medical problem. Students who become
certified Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical
Technologists find employment throughout the United
States. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of
Labor Statistics , "employment of clinical
laboratory workers is expected to grow faster than
average for all occupations through 2016, as the
volume of lab tests continues to increase with both
population growth and the development of new
tests." Mean annual earnings is $53,500
(www.bls.gov; "National Occupational Wage
Estimates", May 2008).
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