Careers in Laboratory Medicine Emphasis on Clinical Laboratory Scientists Kathleen Cooney Leo Canciller Cathleen Pham

STANDARD 18 Understand principles of and successfully perform skills related to Medical Laboratory Assisting, incorporating rubrics from textbooks or clinical standards of practice for the following: a. Obtain a culture specimen and streak an agar plate (this may be simulated on paper)

Did you know….? Laboratory tests are extremely valuable 80% of physician decisions regarding patient diagnosis and treatment are based on clinical laboratory test results! Demand for laboratory professionals will exceed supply in the near future

Questions to ask yourself… Have you enjoyed your biology and science laboratory classes? Do you want a career in healthcare? Would you like an exciting and rewarding career helping others? Would you like to be part of a growing field with flexibility and job security? If you Yes then you should consider a career in the medical laboratory field.

Medical Laboratory Professionals Phlebotomists Lab assistants Cytotechnologist Histotechnologists Clinical Laboratory Scientists Pathology assistants Pathologist

Phlebotomist & Lab Assistant Draws blood for laboratory testing Process samples to be tested by the Clinical Laboratory Scientists “The face of the lab” Educational Requirements: High school Diploma CPT license 3-4 month training at an accredited program such as Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences or Community Colleges Entry-level Salary: $23/hr

Histology Technician (HT) Prepares solid tissues such as biopsy samples and tumors for examination under the microscope A.A. degree, science courses 1 year of clinical training, HT certification Programs: Kaiser Reg. Lab.; San Antonio College; online programs with clinical partners Starting salary: $35+/ hour

Cytotechnologist (CT) Prepares and examines slides of cells; Pap tests for cervical cancer; other types of specimens as well. B.A. degree, certification as a Cytotechnologist, Calif. CT license Certificate programs: Loma Linda University Cytotech.Prgm; UCLA Sch. Of Cytotechnology Starting salary: $43/hour

Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) Old terminology: Medical Technologist (MT) “medtechs” New terminology: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Performs a variety of complex laboratory tests. Starting salary: $40/hour

Educational Requirements A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics 1 year of professional/clinical education by a State approved provider, including interning in an accredited clinical laboratory Licensure, certification and continuing education throughout career

Job opportunities Hospitals Laboratories Physician Office Laboratories Independent or Reference Laboratories Public Health Laboratories Pharmaceutical Companies Fertility Clinics Veterinary Laboratory Biotechnology

Agar Streak Plate Online Simulator