Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences 

The Profession

Medical Laboratory Scientists, also called Clinical Laboratory Scientists or Medical Technologists, use sophisticated instruments and biochemical, microscopic, molecular and immunological techniques to analyze blood, tissues and other medical specimens. In a clinical laboratory, they use their knowledge and skills in science, biotechnology and medicine to provide essential information to physicians and other health care professionals about the presence, extent, or absence of disease, as well as effectiveness of treatment. Working in a laboratory requires excellent technical skills as well as problem solving, data analysis, computer skills and good oral and written communication. Clinical laboratory tests are extremely important. Over 70% of the objective information used by physicians for diagnosis and treatment is provided by medical laboratory scientists. The practice of modern medicine would be impossible without the valuable services provided by medical laboratory scientists.

Medical Laboratory Scientists use their biomedical expertise to:

• Provide lab data and information to physicians to help diagnose cancer, diabetes, liver and kidney disease, drug overdoses, and many other conditions.
• Identify pathogens and determine their susceptibility to various drugs.
• Analyze DNA and RNA in infectious agents to identify drug resistance mutations.
• Prepare stem cells, red blood cells and platelets for safe transfusion.
• Identify leukemic cells so appropriate therapy can be initiated
• Identify mutations associated with genetic diseases by analyzing patients' DNA, RNA or proteins.
• Monitor therapy with anticoagulants and other drugs to ensure patient safety.

Career Opportunities

• Hospital, physician office, veterinary, national and regional testing laboratories
• Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic industries
• Local, State or Federal Health Agencies
• Research and Teaching Institutions
• Advanced degrees in medicine and dentistry
• Masters and doctoral degrees in biomedical sciences

A baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science is an excellent starting point for career advancement in:

• Technical Areas
• Education 
• Management
• Sales
• Marketing
• Health Care Administration
• Consultation
• Health Care Law
• Public Health
• Research

Career Information

A baccalaureate degree is the entry level for a career in Medical Laboratory Science.

Employment:

There is a growing shortage of clinical laboratory practitioners in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, 138,000 new clinical laboratory practitioners will be needed between 2002-2012 due to growth and attrition/retirement from the field, or approximately 13,800 per year (Hecker DE. Monthly Labor Review. Feb. 2004, 80-105). However, in 2002, there were only 3500 clinical laboratory technologists and technician graduates from US programs (Health Professions Education Data Book, 2003-04, American Medical Association, 2003). There is a projected need for 10,000 additional clinical laboratory practitioners per year nationwide.

The vacancy rate for Medical Technologists in the Northeast US was 8.3% according to a survey conducted in 2002 by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (Lab Med, 34:702-707, October 2003).

A 2003 survey conducted by the Coalition for New Jersey Clinical Laboratory Personnel found a 13.6% vacancy rate for clinical laboratory positions in New Jersey hospitals.

Salaries:

Median annual Medical Technologist staff level salaries in hospitals in the area range as follows:

Certification:

Professional Organizations:

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

American Society for Clinical Pathology - Associate Member Section