Laboratory Careers
Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist
Advancements in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease can
often be linked to the work of Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Working
with pathologists and physicians, these medical technologists use precise
methodology to develop data from human blood, tissue, and fluid. With
this information, they can establish and monitor quality assurance and
improvement, as well as discover new procedures to combat medical challenges.
Areas of concentration for Clinical Laboratory Scientists include Core
Lab (Hematology and Chemistry), Microbiology, and Blood Bank. A Bachelor
of Science in Medical Technology is required.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
About.com: Health Careers
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Alabama Health Careers
American Medical Technologists
Cytotechnologist
Increased public awareness of the need for early detection of all forms
of cancer demonstrates that the work of Cytotechnologists has been worth-while.
A Cytotechnologist specializes in the science of early detection of cancerous
cells. With minimal supervision from the pathologist, the Cytotechnologist
screens specially stained slides of human cells under the microscope,
looking for minute abnormalities in cell structure that might be the first
warning signs of cancer. Most Cytotechnologists do their work in hospitals
and private laboratories. They also work in clinics, university medical
centers, nursing homes, and public health facilities. A Bachelor of Science
is required.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
About.com: Health Careers
Alabama Health Careers
Histologist/Histotechnologist
Proficiency with high-tech equipment, strong hand-eye coordination, and
manual dexterity are all characteristics of the Histologic Technician.
Histologic Technicians prepare slides of tissues for microscopic examination.
Often work must be done quickly and delicately while a patient is still
in surgery. By cutting and staining tissue for use on laboratory slides,
The Histologic Technician becomes a vital part of the team that helps
diagnose disease. A Histologic Technician who completes a bachelor's degree
or attends an accredited histologic technology program can advance to
a Histotechnologist.
Additional Information:
ama-assn.org
ascp.org
Alabama Health Careers
National Society for Histotechnology
NSH: Why Histotechnology?
Medical Laboratory Technician
When you think of a person who does medical testing, you may not know that
it really takes a whole team of professionals to make improvements in
your health. An important member of that team who works to detect, diagnose,
and treat disease is the Medical Laboratory Technician. With the goal
of medical advancement, these technicians perform tests and laboratory
procedures. Technicians may also prepare specimens, operate automatic
analyzers, or perform manual tests following detailed instructions. An
Associate in Medical Laboratory Technician is required.
Additional Information:
About.com: Health Careers
Alabama Health Careers
American Medical Technologists
Phlebotomist
Whether you are donating blood at your local blood drive or being tested
during a doctor's appointment, a Phlebotomist performs the task of drawing
your blood. Besides ensuring accuracy and safety, phlebotomists comfort
patient, and answers their questions. The Phlebotomist is trained to collect
blood samples and works under the supervision of the clinical laboratory
scientist. Training is typically on-the-job and is available when there
is an employment need in a particular facility.
Additional Information:
explorehealthcareers.org
About.com: Health Careers
Alabama Health Careers
American Medical Technologists
DCH School of Phlebotomy