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How do you qualify to work in a clinical or
medical laboratory?
A medical technologist (MT), also known as clinical
laboratory scientist (CLS)
must earn a four-year or
bachelors degree. You can complete a clinical laboratory training program and
receive a degree at the same time in many programs. College students can find
programs in their state (there are 19 in Texas alone!) where they can major in
Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology. To find a program in Texas
or any state, visit the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Sciences website.
You can train as a
Medical laboratory technician (MLT) or
clinical laboratory technician (CLT)
at many community and junior colleges, earning an associate degree or a
certificate. Visit www.naacls.org to find
a MLT program near you.
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I already have a bachelors degree in
biology. How can I become a MT or CLS?
Some university medical laboratory programs accept students with
biology or microbiology degrees into their programs. Degree holding students
complete such training programs in order to qualify for certification through
ASCP or NCA. Each school has different policies regarding non-degree seeking
students, so it is essential to check with that school.
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| I have completed a bachelors degree in another
country. Can I be certified with my degree?
The main certification agencies for laboratory personnel (ASCP and NCA)
require a specific number of months of formal clinical laboratory training,
or a specific number of years of supervised experience in a clinical
laboratory. In either case this training or experience must be obtained in
the United States or Canada. Also, most colleges and universities require
that International transcripts be evaluated by an independent agency to
determine degree equivalency. Again, check with the specific school.
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| Is a board or licensing exam required after
completing a laboratory training program?
In Texas no license is required, however the majority of
laboratories will only hire certified laboratory personnel.
Certification is voluntary and is achieved by taking a national examination
after you complete a laboratory training program. Laboratory workers who
have the letters "ASCP" or "NCA" after their name are certified laboratory
personnel.
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Do I have to get a college degree to get a job in
a medical laboratory?
No. Phlebotomy technicians or phlebotomists
can get training without
completing a formal college degree. Certificate and continuing education
programs in phlebotomy may be found at some community colleges. Phlebotomists
are the people who collect blood from patients using needles and blood
collection tubes. Their job involves lots of patient contact and is an
essential part of the laboratory process. Phlebotomist can be certified
through several agencies as well, but this is voluntary.
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| What kind of salary can you expect in a
laboratory career?
Like any field your education level, years of experience, and geographic
location all combine to determine what you earn. Actually, one place to find
out what laboratories pay, is to check with a laboratory education program in
your area.
The latest regional and national averages are found in the data from the
ASCP Wage and Vacancy Survey, which is published every two years.
But since you probably really want to know, in a large city like Dallas or
Houston, clinical laboratory scientists (or MT's) who graduated from a program
in 2003, will start in the mid to upper 30 thousand salary range. If you work
second or third shift you could expect to make $3000-$4000 per year extra. In
smaller cities and rural areas you should anticipate slightly less (but your
cost of living may be less too.) Please understand the dollar amounts are
approximate; some areas of the U.S. pay more, some less.
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| Are laboratory salaries increasing or staying the
same?
Currently the demand for trained and
qualified laboratory professionals is greater than the supply. This is not
expected to change for at least several years. This demand is having a
positive but, slow effect on laboratory salaries. Slow because most
hospitals, and health care systems are under great financial pressure, and
therefore are unlikely to be awarding big pay increases overnight.
Salary information in Texas
2003 Texas Hosp Association Salary Survey
150 - 250 Bed hospital
MLT $11.95 - 17.93
MT $14.40 - 21.60
Supervisor $16.72 - 25.02
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City/Region |
Beginning Salaries |
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Austin |
$15-$17 |
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Corpus Christi |
$13 - $15 |
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Dallas/Fort Worth |
$17 - $18 |
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Galveston |
$16 � $18 |
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Houston Medical Center area. |
$16-$18 |
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Piney Woods Area |
$13.50 - $20.09 |
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San Antonio |
$12.50 - $15 |
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Valley |
$15 - $18 |
| Why should I go into this field?
Clinical laboratory work is rewarding for
several reasons. First, it is a career where a person who enjoys science can
have the knowledge that they are a vital part in helping people get well.
Laboratory work is all about service and serving patients who we often do not
see. Secondly, like many other health professionals, clinical laboratory
professionals have job security. People will continue to get sick and
injured. Third is versatility; the skills you acquire as a clinical
laboratory professional can transfer to numerous careers outside of the
hospital laboratory. |
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