What Does a Clinical Lab Scientist Do?
As a clinical lab scientist, you work in a laboratory to process tests used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Your duties may include monitoring test quality, analyzing tissue, cells, and body fluids, working with other lab staff, and communicating results to physicians. You identify bacteria and viruses, ensure proper handling of blood and potentially biologically hazardous materials, prepare lab tests, organize samples, review drug levels and toxicology, and make conclusions from test results. A clinical lab scientist typically works for a clinic, doctor’s office, research lab, or a diagnostic lab.
How to Become a Clinical Lab Scientist
To become a clinical lab scientist, you should first pursue a bachelor’s degree from an accredited medical laboratory science program. Pursuing classes in microbiology, anatomy, and chemistry can help prepare you for the job’s responsibilities. You must be familiar with advanced laboratory testing, have both practical and theoretical knowledge of diseases and epidemiology, and understand molecular diagnostics. After completing your degree, you may take the certification exam to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist, offered through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Additional qualifications include analytical thinking, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of medical terminology and procedures.
Clinical Lab Scientist Job Description Sample
With this Clinical Lab Scientist job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Clinical Lab Scientist role.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Clinical Lab Scientist to become a part of our laboratory diagnostic team. The responsibilities of this role include sampling and testing body fluid and tissues. All applicants must have an understanding of both hematology and chemistry. Candidates must have certification, prior experience in a medical laboratory, and be familiar with medical terminology. As a Clinical Lab Scientist, you must keep your license up-to-date and follow all OSHA guidelines for medical waste.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Take samples of bodily fluids and tissues
- Perform diagnostic tests on samples
- Prepare reagents
- Review results for accuracy
- Document results
- Apply criteria for specimen rejection
- Perform and document equipment maintenance
- Adhere to OSHA guidelines
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a medical library scientist program
- Certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathology
- State licensure
- Computer proficiency
- Ability to both function independently and collaborate with a team
- Attention to detail
