Clinical Laboratory Specialists can assume a few various names. A few of the most common include Clinical Laboratory Technicians, Clinical Technicians, Laboratory Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technicians, and Medical Technologists. Regardless of their title, they both perform laboratory work (mainly assistance in research) to help diagnose, treat, and identify illness or disease.
Clinical laboratory specialists use nearly all the tools and equipment available in a laboratory such as microscopes, chemicals, computers, and others to complete tests and reports for physicians and head technologists. This makes them a very important part to a laboratory, especially if its a busy one.
Where do clinical laboratory specialists work? Well, a great majority of them tend to work in hospitals but this is not the only place that they can be found. They are also employed by private practices (if they are big enough to do their own testing), research laboratories, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.
How much do clinical laboratory specialists make? They make anywhere between $32,000 – to $45,000 a year on average. This makes it a great option for those looking to advance in laboratory work, getting more experience under your belt, and get paid a nice salary. The more experience/educational degree you have, the more you can expect to make with this one. Keep in mind though, you might have to volunteer to get your foot in the door if you have no experience. Lets continue on with this discussion in a new topic though. Next lets see how to become one.
How to become a clinical laboratory specialist? From personal experience, the easiest way to get into this position is from your university or if you happen to know doctors that would do the favor of putting the word out. There are plenty of labs that are looking for help. You can easily find something that will take your volunteer work (great option if you don’t have any experience in labs or science in general). They will typically train you and offer you certification if you stick around long enough. A lot of students find this type of work after completing various science degrees, both bachelors and associates.
Clinical laboratory specialist is a great career step if you are looking to advance into microbiology, blood banking, or clinical chemistry.
If you are looking for more information on clinical laboratory specialists, check out American Medical Technologists.