Clinical laboratory scientists are detectives in the medical field.They look for clues and analyze results to aid in diagnosis, which is necessary for treating disease and other medical conditions.Body fluids are often where the clues come from.They might be in charge of the laboratory and make sure all equipment is working correctly.As a member of the healthcare team, a person who wants to become a clinical laboratory scientist must enjoy finding the answers to questions.
Step 1: High school is a good time to get familiar with the sciences.
As a lab scientist, chemistry and biology are very important.It is possible to cultivate a strong foundation in these subjects early on in your career.It is important to understand math.This might be a good career for you if you enjoy these subjects.If you are already out of high school, look for opportunities to improve your knowledge at the library or online.
Step 2: Do you know what type of education is required after high school?
Clinical laboratory scientists usually have a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or one of the life sciences; clinical laboratory technicians need either an associate degree or a certificate.Scientists in the lab have more knowledge of these techniques.When compared with technicians, they are more likely to get management positions and earn higher salaries.Basic lab tests and maintain instruments are performed by lab technicians.
Step 3: Consider the schools.
Information on universities that offer training for clinical lab scientists can be found here.Take into account the cost to attend, the job placement statistics of graduated students, and research availability.It is very expensive to attend a university.Public schools in the state you reside may be cheaper than private schools, but public schools outside of your state may cost more.Data and job placement should be provided by schools after graduation.While trying to decide which school to attend, look into these statistics.The benefits of that school should be taken into account when choosing a school.A better job-placement program can be offered by a higher tuition school.More research funding may be provided for students.Try to find an internship or research opportunity after graduation to be more competitive.When choosing where to apply, keep in mind that not all universities have these.If you apply to multiple universities, you will have a better chance of being accepted.
Step 4: You can get your degree from a school that is accredited.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and the Ac crediting Bureau of health education schools are some of the organizations.You will be more competitive as a job candidate if you have a degree from a school with these accreditations.
Step 5: Take courses in chemistry, biology and physics.
If you want to be a CLS, you need to learn the proper subjects before entering the workforce.The core type of work you will be doing on a daily basis is represented by these courses.If these classes don't interest you, consider a different career path or speak to a counselor about other options.
Step 6: You can find jobs in the medical field.
Hospitals are the leading employers, but clinical laboratory technologists are also employed by independent laboratories, physicians' offices and clinics, as well as manufacturers of lab equipment and diagnostic supplies.The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science has job postings.
Step 7: Clinical lab scientists have a variety of job duties.
Examine body fluids and tissues for parasites,bacteria, and other organisms is one of the many duties that fall under the job description.Determine cholesterol levels and match blood for transfusions with the help of chemical content and reactions.Measure the levels and types of drugs in the system for treatment.
Step 8: Become trained in using laboratory equipment.
Clinical laboratory scientists use microscopes, cell counters, and computerized equipment.You will be trained on these devices as you get your degree.If you want to know if this is the right career for you, volunteer in a lab.You will be a more desirable job candidate if you know how to use equipment.A good way to learn how to use these instruments is through an internship.
Step 9: Infections control procedures can be practiced.
Clinical lab technicians have to work with infectious material.Proper protective equipment is necessary in this field.Basic lab safety and bloodborne pathogens training is required.In the lab, gloves and a lab coat are required.In certain situations, masks or goggles may be required.
Step 10: To be considered for specific jobs, specialize in a clinical laboratory field.
You will need to do more work if you want to practice in a particular field.Pick the one that is the best fit for you.Clinical chemistry technologists are one of the examples of specializations.
Step 11: Do you know if your state requires a license?
Not every state in the United States requires a license, but it can be beneficial to get one to be more employable.States that don't currently have licenses may do so in the future.Before applying for a job, make sure you have all the necessary licenses and certifications.California, Tennessee, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico require licensure.Specialty licenses vary as well.Obtaining a license for that specialty is required if you are going into a very specific field.
Step 12: Gain at least one year of experience.
You need at least one year of work experience or training in a clinical laboratory to obtain a license.Verification of this experience is required before applying for a license.In terms of the duties of a clinical scientist, the training must be comprehensive.Before becoming licensed, some states may need more work experience.The specifics of where you will be working can be found in the state's regulations.If you are seeking a license for a specialty, experience may be different.
Step 13: You have to pass the written exam for licensure.
It is important to do well on the exam, but not all states require it to be licensed.The exam is for clinical laboratory scientists.There are three organizations that have been certified to give the exam.A waiting period of one year is required for failure to pass the written exam twice.
Step 14: You have to apply for the license.
Once you have met the minimum requirements, applications can be submitted online.Before applying, you should have the paperwork certifying your degree, work experience, and passing the exam.Before applying for licensure, make sure you have the funds to pay the application fee.
Step 15: Seek national certification.
CLS/MT or CLT/MLT programs are available.The American Medical Technologists, the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel and the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology are all certification bodies.Check with each association for certification requirements for lab scientists.Specific certifications may be required by employers.
Step 16: You have to apply for the certification.
All of your important documents must be gathered to verify your work and training experience.You have to apply to take the exam and pay an application fee.There are slightly different requirements for different certification organizations.
Step 17: You can schedule your exam.
You will be able to schedule your exam after the approval of your application.There is a three-month window to schedule the exam for some licensing bodies.You have plenty of time to study once you finish the application.
Step 18: Study for the exam.
You can take online practice tests and review courses to help you study.You can form a study group if you know other people taking the exam the same time.You can use practice tests to gauge your knowledge.You should take one every few weeks to see how you are improving.It is advisable to study early and often.You may get study fatigue if you try to learn too many things at once.To study in depth, focus on one or two topics each day.To keep them fresh, review the same subjects every few days.
Step 19: Take the exam.
Make sure you eat a decent meal on the day of the exam.The adaptive test is a computer test that gets harder as you get more questions correct.To take an exam on the computer, you have to have basic computer skills.
Step 20: Is graduate school the right choice for you?
It's not the right choice for everyone to attend graduate school.More opportunities for advancement into administrative positions can be provided by graduate degrees.Directors and lab scientists usually have doctorates.It takes about 2 years to complete a master's degree.You have to pay your own tuition for most master's programs.It takes an average of six years to complete a doctorate.PhD programs will pay for your tuition if you work in a lab.
Step 21: You can choose a graduate program.
You must choose a graduate program if you want to pursue an advanced degree.You may already have a specialty if you've been in the workforce for a few years.A program that focuses on that specialty is well-known for job placement.The factors to consider are similar to those of an undergrad.It is very expensive to attend a university.Public schools in the state you reside may be cheaper than private schools, but public schools outside of your state may cost the same.Data and job placement should be provided by the schools after graduation.While trying to decide which school to attend, you should look into the statistics.Where is the program ranked compared to other schools?You don't need to go to the number one program if you want to get a good job.
Step 22: Ask for letters of recommendation.
References are needed for graduate school applications.You want to make sure they are positive.If you ask someone to write a recommendation, they might not be the best person to do it for.Ask your professors if they had a good relationship with you.If the employer is in the correct field, they make good references.If you are trying to change fields, a retail manager is a good reference.Friends and family are not usually accepted as references.You should give your references a few months to finish their letters.If you know they haven't been submitted yet, remind them.
Step 23: Take the Graduate Records Examination.
The GRE is used for graduate school entrance exams.The test takes four hours to complete and is administered on a computer.You need basic computer skills to take the exam.An appropriate amount of time is spent studying for the exam.You can either purchase study aid books or take a class.If you didn't get the score you needed for the school you're applying to, consider taking the test again.
Step 24: You can apply to many graduate programs.
You want to make sure you get into a program after you have spent a lot of time preparing.You can increase your chances of being accepted into at least one program by applying to more than one.You need to get your applications in by the deadline.Make sure your references submit their letters of recommendation on time.