Clinical Laboratory Scientists, also known as medical laboratory scientists and medical technologists, are credentialed health professionals who are a vital part of the health care team.
Clinical laboratory scientists perform laboratory tests to diagnose and treat disease and maintain health. In hospital settings, they analyze blood, tissues, and body fluids to detect disease. They work with sophisticated computerized equipment such as automated chemistry and hematology analyzers, GLC-Mass spectrophotometers, and thermal cyclers for molecular testing. Clinical laboratory scientists develop and evaluate new procedures, maintain quality assurance, educate health care professionals, and manage the laboratory.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists:
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) advises the accredited programs to openly communicate to the public the following outcome measures:
Job opportunities for clinical laboratory scientists are excellent, with more openings than available job seekers. Employment is expected to grow at a faster than average rate. (United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook)
