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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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.

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Agar Streak Plate
Online Simulator