Medical Laboratory Science
Laboratory technologists work as a part of medical and research teams. Medical laboratory scientists have an aptitude and wide interest in the physical and biological sciences. They analyze body fluids and other compounds and perform tests using specialized equipment to diagnose disease and monitor treatment.
Related Skills
- Performing analyses which require a complex network of steps and variables
- Recognizing and identifying problems and synthesizing solutions
- Troubleshooting and monitoring sophisticated instruments
- Confirming/verifying results of laboratory tests
- Establishing and monitoring of quality control programs
- Teaching or performing administrative duties
- Performing tests of fluid, blood, and tissue samples
- Managing a lab which employs a team of specialists and managing administrative aspects
- Heading up research projects to develop new laboratory techniques
- Pursuing clinical research
- Operating, maintaining and troubleshooting of clinical instruments;
- Operating computer systems for data input, retrieval and analysis of information
- Maintaining and improving laboratory practices and quality control
- Managing inventory for the laboratory
- Teaching students and health care personnel proper laboratory practices.
Being Successful in the Field
- Be able to generate, interpret, and report results vital in making a timely and accurate diagnosis
- Attention to detail is valued
- Problem solving skills are highly valued as well
- Obtain credentials from either the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Certification Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)
Related Fields
- Chemistry
- Clinical bacteriology
- Clinical laboratory science program director
- Coagulation
- Cytogenetics
- Drug analysis (toxicology)
- Endocrinologist
- Health Promotion Coordinator
- Hematologist
- Immunologist
- Immunohematologist
- Infection control officer/hospital epidemiologist
- Medical Assistant
- Microbiologist
- Medical mycology
- Parasitologist
- Serology
- Tissue typing
- Toxicologist
- Virologist
