Healthcare Professionals Heading to the Lab: The bright future for clinical laboratory technicians Laboratory technologist and technicians make up a rather large piece of the growing healthcare workforce, accounting for more than 300,000 jobs in 1998 market, according to the Department of Labor. About half of these professionals work in hospitals, while the rest have positions with independent medical laboratories, physician offices and clinics.
The daily grind Medical (or clinical) lab personnel perform a wide variety of tests, examinations and analyses in the laboratory setting. They are employed by many different organizations, including hospitals, independent laboratories and other facilities. Clinical laboratory testing plays a huge part in the general course of healthcare, and lab technologists and technicians are responsible for this crucial part of the process.
Requirements for success The responsibilities of technicians and technologists vary a great deal according to their education and experience. One lab technologist may cut and stain victims' tissue specimens for examination by a pathologist; a lab technician may analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of patient's body fluids. It can vary a great deal, but most lab personnel-no matter what they specialize in-must have a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or a life science. In some states, personnel in a laboratory must also have a license or be registered to perform laboratory work.
A look ahead As with other healthcare professions, the need for clinical lab technicians is expected to grow over the next few years. The Department of Labor projects a growth rate as fast as the average for all occupations through 2008. Technicians may face some challenges in the job hunt as some healthcare organizations slow the hiring process while they reevaluate and rearrange their organizations to be more effective and cost efficient. But as the population grows and a large number of healthcare professionals retire, there will be a greater need for new workers. Clinical technologists and technicians play an important role in hospitals and other medical organizations-a link between pure science and patient care. Working with detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease will provide an incredible opportunity for career success and stability in the thriving healthcare market.
Related Articles