Health Careers

Medical/Clinical Laboratory Technology

NATURE OF THE PROFESSION

Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians, also known as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, perform most of these tests.

Medical technologists perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests. They also type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions. Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, while those in larger laboratories generally specialize.

Medical laboratory technicians perform routine tests and laboratory procedures. Technicians may prepare specimens and operate automatic analyzers, for example, or they may perform manual tests following detailed instructions.

APTITUDES

•   Be able to learn the principles and methods of medical laboratory technology.

• Have the ability with words and numbers to do tests, understand technical literature, and talk with other personnel.

•   Have good space and form perception and ability to see differences in color.

• Be able to make decisions based on data, handle a variety of duties, and work with exact standards.

•   Have good hand and finger dexterity.
•   Have ability to work accurately.

HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS

Math up to calculus, science including physics, chemistry, biology and computer applications.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN IOWA

•   Des Moines Area Community College
•   Hawkeye Community College
•   Iowa Central Community College
•   Mercy School of Clinical Laboratory Science
•   North Iowa Area Community College
•   Northeast Iowa Community College
•   St. Luke's College - 712/ 279-3967
•   St. Luke's Hospital (Cedar Rapids)
•   University of Iowa

JOB OUTLOOK and SALARY

Employment of medical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2008 creating additional job openings.

Approximate starting average annual salary for medical laboratroy technologists in Iowa is $24,300.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste 1301, Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-2768 or (301) 657-2909
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