Content

• Steps
• Warnings

Clinical laboratory scientists are medical detectives. They look for key points and analyze the results to aid in the diagnosis needed to treat disease and other medical needs. Important information is often found in body fluids such as blood or tissue samples. As a member of the healthcare team, a person who wants to become a clinical laboratory scientist should enjoy finding answers to questions.

Steps

1. 1 Explore the diverse responsibilities of clinical laboratory scientists. Here are some of the many responsibilities of a clinical laboratory scientist:
   • Examine body fluids and tissues for the presence of parasites, bacteria, and other organisms.
   • Analyze the chemistry and reactions required to find cholesterol levels and compare blood for transfusion.
   • Measure types and levels of drugs in the treatment system or assess response to treatment.
2. 2 Get to know the sciences while still in high school, particularly chemistry and biology.
   • Math is also useful if you are looking to pursue a career as a clinical laboratory technologist.
3. 3 Find out what type of after-school education is required for clinical laboratory scientists.
   • Clinical laboratory technologists usually have a bachelor's degree in medicine or other natural science; a clinical laboratory technician usually requires either an associate degree or a certificate.
   • An individual can work as a clinical laboratory assistant with an associate degree or a certificate in a professional program. Laboratory technicians prepare samples and perform basic laboratory tests.
   • As a promotion, a laboratory scientist can earn a master's degree in the same fields.
   • Laboratory directors often hold doctoral degrees.
4. 4 Attend a school accredited by a nationally recognized agency such as:
   • National Agency for the Accreditation of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.
   • Commission for the Accreditation of Related Medical Education Programs.
   • Bureau of Accreditation of Educational Institutions of Medical Education.
5. 5 Practice using a variety of laboratory equipment, including microscopes, cell counters, and computer technology.
6. 6 Practice infection control procedures. Clinical laboratory technicians and technologists often have to work with infectious material.
   • Gloves are a must in the laboratory.
   • Masks or goggles may be required in certain situations.
7. 7 Specialize in a specific area of ​​a clinical laboratory to qualify for a specific job.
   • Examples of specializations are: clinical chemist, microbiologist, immunohematologist, immunologist, cytotechnologist, and molecular biologist.
8. 8 Find out if you need to be licensed or registered in the country where you live.
   • In some countries, laboratory technicians and technologists are required to pass an exam.
9. 9 To renew a national certificate, refer to the CLS / MT (Clinical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Technologist) or CLT / MLT (Clinical Laboratory Scientist / Medical Laboratory Assistant) programs.
   • American Medical Technologists, the National Certification Agency for Laboratory Personnel, or the American Society for Clinical Pathology Registry Committee are some of the more prominent certification bodies.
   • Professional associations differ in the certification requirements for laboratory scientists, so check the information for each association.
   • Employers may require certain certifications.
10. 10 Look for a job in the medical field. Hospitals are the main employer, but clinical laboratory technologists can also find jobs in:
    • Independent laboratories.
    • Doctors' offices and clinics.
    • Manufacturers of laboratory equipment and diagnostic materials.

Warnings

• Clinical laboratory scientists may have different working hours depending on conditions. Large laboratories that operate 24 hours a day may have clinical laboratory scientists working in shifts.