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instrumentation
and technology, computers, and methods requiring manual dexterity
to perform laboratory testing on blood and body fluids. Laboratory
testing encompasses such disciplines as clinical chemistry,
hematology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, and
molecular biology. Clinical laboratory science professionals
generate accurate laboratory data that are needed to aid in
detecting cancer, heart attacks, diabetes, infectious mononucleosis,
and identification of bacteria or viruses that cause infections,
as well as in detecting drugs of abuse. In addition, we monitor
testing quality and consult with other members of the healthcare
team.
The clinical
laboratory science profession has more than one career track
based on level of education: clinical laboratory technician
(2 years) and clinical laboratory scientist (4 to 5 years).
Clinical laboratory technicians are competent in the collection,
processing and analysis of biological specimens, the performance
of lab procedures, the maintenance of instruments, and relating
lab findings to common diseases/conditions. Clinical laboratory
scientists have a more extensive theoretical knowledge base.
Therefore they not only perform laboratory procedures including
very sophisticated analyses, but also evaluate/interpret the
results, integrate data, problem solve, consult, conduct research
and develop new test methods.
Essential
Functions
In order
to participate in a clinical laboratory science educational
program, students must be able to comply with program-designated
essential functions, or request reasonable accommodations
to execute these essential functions. Requirements include
a sound intellect; good motor skills: eye-hand coordination
and dexterity; effective communication skills; visual acuity
to perform macroscopic and microscopic analyses, or read procedures,
graphs, etc.; professional skills such as the ability to work
independently, manage time efficiently, to comprehend, analyze
and synthesize various materials, as well as to hold sound
psychological health and stability.
Educational
Requirements
A solid
foundation in high school biology, chemistry, and math usually
provides the groundwork for clinical laboratory science education.
Clinical laboratory scientists complete a baccalaureate degree
program that includes 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,
education, and computer applications. An integrated university
based program provides professional coursework prior to a
shorter clinical experience, e.g. 5 to 6 months. Such a program
usually is found in a major university or academic medical
center.
Accreditation of clinical laboratory science or technician
programs by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Sciences ensures that the programs maintain high educational
standards (visit www.naacls.org for a list of accredited programs
and contact information).
Upon completion of a clinical laboratory science, graduates
are eligible for national certification as a clinical laboratory
scientist, CLS, by exams offered by the National Credentialing
Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA).
Job
Outlook/Salaries
The Bureau
of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor projects
that the employment of clinical laboratory scientists will
increase by 10-20% through the year 2008. According to Jobs
Rated Almanac, clinical laboratory science has 25% job growth
and good job security. Among health related professions, it
currently ranks #3. In 2005, the average starting salary for
clinical laboratory scientists was about $32,000 to $42,000
annually, based on geographic location. Currently there is
a shortage in many parts of the country guaranteeing employment
and higher salaries for graduates.
Employment
Clinical
laboratory scientists held about 295,000 jobs in 2005. 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 blood banks, research and training laboratories,
forensic or pharmaceutical laboratories, and in federal government
- at US Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and US Public
Health Service facilities.
Terms
of the Medical Laboratory
Chemistry
is filled with fascinating, state-of-the art technology which
helps laboratory professionals to quickly analyze the chemical
composition of blood and body fluids. Some of the tests performed
in the chemistry section include glucose testing (aids in
the diagnosis of diabetes), cholesterol, and drug testing.
Cytology
is the study of human cells. This is where cell samples are
examined to detect early signs of cancer and other diseases.
One of the principle functions is the detection of cancer
of the cervix (the familiar "PAP" smear).
Hematology
counts, describes and identifies cells in blood and other
body fluids. The slightest change in shape or size or number
of cells will tell these skilled laboratory professionals
if you are anemic or have leukemia.
Histology
evaluates cells in tissues and organs. The histotechnologist
also helps the pathologiest with such complex tasks as fine
needle biopsies, (a special procedure that collects tissue
from lesions) and autopsies (to determine the cause of death).
Immunology
is the study of the body's response to viruses or allergy
causing agents. This area is responsible for many tests of
the efficiency of the human immune system.
Microbiology
tracks down and identifies disease-causing bacteria, parasites
or viruses. These laboratory professional will use growth
characteristics in artificial media, chemical testing and
slide identification to determine which medications will work
against the infections.
Phlebotomy
is the collection and processing of blood and other specimens.
After processing, the samples are distributed to different
areas of the laboratory for analysis.
Transfusion
Medicine
supplies all the blood products that are necessary for the
treatment of many types of blood disorders including anemias
and blood clotting disorders. Each blood unit is individually
typed for blood group, screened for antibodies and tested
for contagious diseases.
Virology
is where tests for viral and Chlamydial disease are performed.
Tests are designed to detect the virus (antigen detection)
or the body's defense to a virus (antibody detection). Some
of the the frequestn tests are for Herpes Simplex Virus, hepatitis
B antibody test, Measles (Rubeola) immunity status and Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibody screening (the "AIDS"
test).
(
source: http:/www./ascls.org/jobs/index.asp)
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