What many people don't realize is the days of doctors peering into microscopes are long, long gone. The truth is they are the lead on a team of specialists, from nurses to medical billing experts. One of the most important members of the team is the Clinical Laboratory Technician. While experience plays a big part in this field, education via traditional or college online, is vital.
A technician is a medical assistant who now sits behind the microscope analyzing cells, blood and other bodily fluids for disease, drugs or whatever the doctor needs to make a diagnosis. They aren't restricted to the microscope these days. They work with much more sophisticated technology than the Bunsen burners of old, including a wide array of computer equipment. Another responsibility is the technician often analyzes the sample him or herself, then reports the findings to the doctor.
Working conditions vary with the size and type of employment setting. Hours can vary with the size and employment setting. In large hospitals or independent laboratories that operate continuously, personnel usually work day, evening, and night hours, and may work weekends and holidays. Laboratory personnel in small facilities often work rotating shifts. It's also not uncommon to be on call several nights a week or on weekends, in case of an emergency.
A less but still effective way to start as a technician is to qualify for some jobs in a work-study situation with on-the-job and specialized training. In this situation, universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs, often in tandem with online colleges. On the other hand, there are laws in place that say only certain types of technologists can perform highly complex tests, and they must have an associate degree at the very minimum.
Still, the usual requirement for what's preferred for an entry-level position is a bachelor's with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences. A Bachelor's degree program includes courses in chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics, and statistics, as well as specialized courses devoted to knowledge and skills needed in the clinical laboratory. Many programs also offer or require courses in management, business, and computer applications. These latter courses must be taken when it's time to advance to a supervisory position.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians hold over 300,000 jobs. Over half were in hospitals. Most the remaining jobs were in offices of physicians and laboratories. A small proportion is with educational services and ambulatory healthcare services.
As for the job prospects, the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates the position as faster than average, meaning there is going to be a need for many more than what's currently in the work force. Salaries reflect this with the average wage being in the low-to-mid $50,000 range. When one gets into management, the salaries escalate considerably.
The most important element of the job though is an experienced technician is a highly valued member of a medical team. When graduating from college online, the new hire brings experience with the very technology that will aid their new work. From this entry position, there's no doubt many go on to medical college in pursuit of additional degrees, perhaps even one day becoming team leader themselves.
