Clinical Laboratory Technicians perform procedures that require less technical or theoretical knowledge than those performed by the Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Their responsibilities include routine laboratory procedures and use of such equipment as microscopes, computers, chemicals and specialized equipment and instruments. Technicians make independent decisions relating to the completion of their duties, but are supervised by a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

The Clinical Laboratory Technician must complete an associate degree or certificate program in laboratory sciences with emphasis in chemistry and biology. This is an academic based program which integrates both academic courses and clinical laboratory experience. Upon completion of their education, a technician will be eligible to apply for certification through one of several certifying agencies such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists or the National Certification Agency.

• 2 year Associates Degree

As in most occupations, replacement needs will be the main source of job openings. Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 creating additional job openings. The technician will find job opportunities in hospitals, independent laboratories, physicians offices, public health clinics, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions. The rapidly growing older population will spur demand, since older people generally have more medical problems. Technological changes will have two opposite effects on employment. New, more powerful diagnostic tests will encourage more testing and spur employment. However, advances in laboratory automation and simpler tests, which make it possible for each worker to perform more tests, should slow growth. Research and development efforts are targeted at simplifying routine testing procedures so that nonlaboratory personnel - physicians and patients in particular - can perform tests now done in laboratories. Also, robots may prepare specimens, a job now done by technologists and technicians. Fastest growth is expected in independent medical laboratories, as hospitals continue to send them a greater share of their testing. Rapid growth is also expected in offices and clinics of physicians. Slower growth is expected in hospitals. RELATED OCCUPATIONS Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances using a variety of tests. Similar or related procedures are performed by chemists, crime laboratory analysts, food testers, and veterinary laboratory technicians.

Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances using a variety of tests. Similar or related procedures are performed by chemists, crime laboratory analysts, food testers, and veterinary laboratory technicians.

$27,540

• Argosy University/Twin Cities
• Barton County Community College
• Seward County Community College
• St. Louis Community College @ Forest Park
• Three Rivers Community College
• Wichita Area Technical College

• Aft Healthcare
• American Assoc. Of Bioanalysts Board Of Registry
• American Association For Clinical Chemistry, Inc.
• American Medical Technologists
• American Society For Clinical Pathology
• Ascp Board Of Registry
• National Accrediting Agency For Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• National Association For Medical Equipment Services