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Laboratory Services
What's Laboratory Services all about?
Laboratory Services plays a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. We take samples and examine apalmnd analyze body fluids, tissue and cells. In a hospital setting, Laboratory Services assists in making 90% of the diagnoses in partnership with physicians. We're like detectives and we get paid to do some fun stuff.
- Perform diagnostic tests
- Identify organisms, like E-coli bacteria
- Count and classify blood cells to identify infection or disease
- Operate complex diagnostic equipment
- Perform immunological tests to check for antibodies
- Type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions
- Analyze DNA
The perks
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You'd be a good candidate if you are...
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What careers are in the Laboratory?
There's a lot to choose from when it comes to working in a hospital laboratory. With training or additional education, you can often move into another role. Here's a look at careers in the laboratory:
Phlebotomist—draws blood for diagnostic tests and transfusions. This is a great way to get started in your laboratory career. Get your high school diploma and complete a short training program through continuing education, a trade school or community college. Pass the state license and get started!
Laboratory Assistant—sets up cultures in microbiology and prepares and processes specimens. They also run analyzers and perform test procedures. You'll need a high school diploma to join the team.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)—a brand new role within the state of California. This team member assists the Clinical Laboratory Scientist and often goes on to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. To be an MLT, you need to attend a community college and complete prerequisites for an MLT program and then enter an accredited MLT program.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)—performs complex laboratory tests; they also supervise laboratory staff. To be a CLS you need a Bachelor's of Science, the pre-requisite for a Clinical Laboratory Science program, and you need to attend an accredited CLS program. You must pass an exam to get your license.
Opportunities outside the hospital setting
From a hospital laboratory to a CSI-type crime scene, a career in the laboratory can have a lot of facets to it. Here are just a few examples of other places you can work:
- Biotechnology companies in research and development
- Drug companies in sales, research and development
- Colleges and universities as a faculty member
- Forensic crime labs
- Medical instrument company in sales, research and development or service
The need for trained Laboratory Professionals will continue to grow!
Because of advances made in diagnosis, testing and treatment in the last few years and because of the aging population, the number of medical tests, treatments and procedures performed each year is growing rapidly. This will create even more opportunity for you!
The pay
| Phlebotmist | Medical Laboratory Technician |
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| Laboratory Assistant | Clinical Laboratory Scientist |
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The benefits
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Want to learn more?
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
Clinical Laboratory Management Association
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