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Check
out the link to Information
for Middle Schoolers if you want to start
with a basic overview of the field.
Check
out the link to Information
for High School Seniors if you want to know
what you should be doing during your Senior year, if
interested in the CLS/MT Program.
What
interests and characteristics whould you have if you're
thinking of exploring a laboratory career?
Since
there are so many different jobs to choose from, people
with all different interests can be successful in the
laboratory.
First,
decide whether you are interested in attending college
to attain your career goals. Do you want to attend a
community college or four-year institution? Or, do you
want to begin work right out of high school?
The
positions of laboratory assistant, phlebotomist, and
technician can usually be filled by a person who:
- have
a high school diploma or G.E.D.
- can
communicate well in written and spoken English
- have
the ability to pay attention to detail, such as
matching a patient name and medical record number
on a label with a patient name and medical record
number on a computer screen
-
can work with other people in a close environment,
indoors, with electrical equipment and computers
- have
some proficiency in data entry, word processing,
and baic computer functions
- are
interested in working with blood and body fluids,
wearing lab coats and gloves to protect against
splashes and spills
- are
interested in working in a hospital, commerical
laboratory, physician's office, or other settings
where related work is performed
- can
perform basic filing and inventory functions
- for
some positions:
-
a valid driver's license and clean driving record
may be required
-
some college coursework may be preferred
-
medical assistant certification may be preferred
The
position of medical laboratory technician or histotechnicain
can usually be filled by a person who:
- has
an associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
or Histotechnology AND
- has
passed a national certification exam, such as the
MLT(ASCP) or HT(ASCP)
- has
been trained to perform basic laboratory testing
and specimen preparation, and can can do simple
problem-solving under the direction of a Medical
Technologist or Pathologist
- is
interested in working in a hospital, commercial
laboratory, or physician's office
- for
some positions:
- phlebotomy
and/or clerical functions may also be part of
the job
The
position of medical technologist/clinical laboratory
scientist or cytotechnologist can usually be filled
by a person who:
- has
a bachelor of science degree in Clinical Laboratory
Science/Medical Technology or Cytotechnology
- has
completed 6 - 12 months of clinical experience (internship)
either during the senior year of college or after
the B.S. degree is completed
- has
passed a national certification exam, such as the
CLS (NCA) or CT(ASCP)
- has
been trained to perform basic and complex laboratory
tests, and can perform complex problem-solving without
direct supervision
- is
interested in working in a hospital or commercial
laboratory
- is
interested in possibly moving to:
-
a lead technologist or supervisory position
- a
technical specialist position
- is
interested in possibly:
- going
back to school for a master's or doctoral degree
- advancing
into a related discipline, such as forensic
science
- for
some advanced or specialty positions:
- a
specialist certification or master's degree
may be preferred
And,
in school,
* Plan to take high school courses in Biology, Chemistry,
and Physics as well as Math, English, and Social Studies.
* Work hard to get "B" grades or better in
all your classes - the higher the better!
Once
you become a laboratory professional, there are many
options if you want to advance - either by being promoted
to a supervisory position, or by branching out into
related fields. The possibilities are endless!
Good
luck to you in your classwork and in your future career
planning!
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