Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS). also
known as Medical Technologists, analyze
human blood, tissues, and body fluids. They
supervise the performance of thousands of
medical laboratory tests, which are conducted
manually or by using the latest in biomedical
instruments. The CLS are problem
solvers and exercise independent judgment,
correlate test results, and interpret the findings.
Physicians depend on these professionals
to produce reliable and valid results that
may be used in determining the presence,
extent, and possible cause of disease.
 Areas of Specialization
Clinical Laboratory Scientists may specialize
in clinical chemistry (chemical analysis
of body fluids), immunohematology (blood
banking), hematology (study of blood),
microbiology (isolation and identification of
bacteria and viruses), immunology/serology
(study of the body's defense system), urinalysis,
and toxicology. Other CLS are involved in
research, teaching or administration.
Work Environment
Most of these professionals work in
hospital laboratories. Others work in independent
laboratories, reference laboratories,
clinics, health maintenance organizations
(HMOs), public health agencies, pharmaceutical
firms, research institutions, scientific equipment companies, blood donor
centers, physician offices, and as teachers in
college clinical laboratory science programs.
Advancement
Experienced CLS may advance to supervisory positions as chief medical technologists or laboratory managers in large hospitals and other laboratory settings. Opportunities for faculty positions in clinical laboratory science programs are open to those with graduate degrees.
Length of Training
Bachelor's degree programs in medical
technology require four years of college
education and completion of an accredited
Clinical Lab Science program.
Licensure/Certification
Currently, Texas does not require a
license to practice CLS. Students who
graduate from accredited clinical laboratory science programs are eligible to take
the national certification examinations that
are administered by the American Society
of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), the American
Medical Technologists (AMT), and the
National Credentialing Agency (NCA).
Education Programs
C=Certificate, A=Associate's, B=Bachelor's, M=Master's, D=Doctorate
Professional Associations
Texas Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA)
www.tapa.org
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
www.aapa.org
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