knock out process logo and black process logo and black Careers in Pathology and Medical Laboratory Science

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1 knock out process logo and black knock out process logo and black Careers in Pathology and Medical Laboratory Science

2 Welcome It takes a special person to be capable, qualified, and courageous enough to crawl into the belly of the beast that is human life and human death William Petersen, co-producer and star of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Have you ever wondered... What happens to the blood sample you give at the doctor s office? How doctors diagnose disease? How you can have a rewarding career helping others? Take a look inside... This brochure explains the different career paths you can take in the medical laboratory. One of these careers is sure to fit your skills and interests and put you on the road to an exciting and rewarding career in medical laboratory science! Welcome to the world of the medical laboratory. It s a world of technology, science, and mystery, where medical laboratory professionals and pathologists find answers to questions that are both routine and miraculous. Does this tissue sample contain cancer? What can this woman s blood tell us about her health? Is this unborn child developing normally? Is this drug effectively stopping the infection? Why did this man die? In the laboratory, a highly skilled team of pathologists and medical technologists, technicians and specialists work together to solve the mysteries, put the puzzles together, and answer the critical questions of medicine. More than 70% of medical decisions made by physicians are based on laboratory findings. In fact, the practice of modern medicine would be impossible without the tests performed in the laboratory. Pathologists and medical laboratory professionals are the behindthe-scenes backbone of medicine. Their field of exploration includes a vast span, from gross human anatomy to the genetic and molecular particles that affect it. They are the researchers, the investigators, and some say the real heroes of medicine. Pathologists and medical laboratory professionals play a critical role in collecting the information needed to give the best care to an ill or injured patient and as health care grows, there is an increasing need for their skills in a virtually unlimited selection of practice settings. Hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, and commercial laboratories all have positions open right now for qualified laboratory professionals. In the near future, major areas of scientific exploration will include the human immune system, cell marker technology, bioengineering, DNA technology, and cancer research. In the clinical area, drug testing, therapeutic drug monitoring, and biogenetics are just a few of the specialties with openings. In commercial businesses and industries, positions are available in marketing and sales of laboratory equipment and products, as well as research and development of new technology. In the legal system, crime scene investigation and forensic science depend heavily on the skills of forensic pathologists and medical laboratory professionals. Pathology and laboratory science are among the fastest growing professions in the United States. More than a quarter million people work in medical laboratory services alone. For someone who chooses a career as a pathologist or laboratory professional, the exploration and the rewards are endless.

3 The Pathologist The Pathologists Assistant A pathologist is a physician (MD or DO) who examines tissues and is responsible for the accuracy of laboratory tests. Pathologists interpret the results of these examinations and tests information that is important for the patient s diagnosis and recovery. The pathologist and the patient s other doctors consult on which tests to order, interpretation of test results, and appropriate treatments. Pathologists play a vital role on the patient s primary health care team. Pathologists are problem-solvers, fascinated by the process of disease and eager to unlock medical mysteries, like AIDS and diabetes, using the tools of laboratory science and its sophisticated instruments and methods. Today, with advances in biomedical science, more than 2,000 laboratory tests on blood and body fluids are available. Many require specialized professional interpretation by an expert, usually a pathologist. Pathologists work in many areas of the medical laboratory, and a pathologist usually serves as Director of the Laboratory. In the blood bank, pathologists and medical technologists ensure that the blood or blood products you receive are safe. In microbiology, microorganisms that can cause infections bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are identified so the most effective drugs to treat an infection can be selected. Autopsy, while an important tool in medicine, represents only a small part of the typical pathologist s practice. A clinical pathologist oversees laboratory tests conducted on body fluids such as blood and urine. An anatomic pathologist assists surgeons during operations by providing immediate diagnoses on biopsies specially treated tissues removed in surgery and rushed to the lab. A forensic pathologist uses the science of the laboratory to answer questions about evidence collected for criminal and civil cases. Other pathologists conduct research in pathology, developing new tests and new instruments to better diagnose diseases. The pathologists assistant (PA) serves as the eyes of the pathologist. Pathologists examine samples of skin or organ tissue to diagnose a disease. Oftentimes the pathologists assistant is the first person to look at the sample when it comes from the operating room or a physician s office. The pathologists assistant provides a general description of the sample and decides if it needs to be analyzed in greater detail. The pathologist, a medical doctor, reviews microscopic slides and makes a final diagnosis. On any given day, a pathologists assistant could be describing samples taken from tonsils or a mole. Enter the autopsy room. Pathologists assistants have the important responsibility to examine corpses. They review the medical history of the person who has died and decide with the pathologist how to perform the autopsy to determine the cause of death. In addition to their medical responsibilities, pathologists assistants often help make sure the pathology laboratory runs smoothly. The surgical pathology laboratory is the place where tissue samples are examined and diseases are diagnosed. It takes a lot of work to keep track of all the activity in the laboratory. Pathologists assistants enjoy the variety of their work. Depending on where they work, pathologists assistants may be responsible for recordkeeping, billing, computer systems, and supervision of technical employees. I cannot speak highly enough for my profession. I have never met a pathologists assistant in pathology who hates their job. I really enjoy the diagnostic process. That s what pathologists do. I also like the way pathology is a broad intellectual field. Minimum Education Requirement: (MD) Satisfactory completion of medical school, an accredited student Resident Program, and an approved residency in Pathology. Minimum Education Requirement: (PA) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and successful completion of an accredited Pathologists Assistant program.

4 The Medical Technologist and Medical Laboratory Technician The Cytotechnologist When it comes to the challenge and rewards of medicine and science, the medical technologist (MT) has the best of both worlds. Medical technologists work in all areas of the clinical laboratory including blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology. They perform a full range of laboratory tests from simple premarital blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. They are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results, and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other physicians. The information that a medical technologist gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will receive. Also known as clinical laboratory scientists (CLS), medical technologists operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments costing millions of dollars. Working under the supervision of a medical technologist, a medical laboratory technician (MLT) performs routine tests in all areas of the clinical laboratory. A medical laboratory technician searches for basic clues to the absence, presence, extent, and causes of diseases. This skilled individual is responsible for performing laboratory tests efficiently and accurately for high-quality patient care. A cytotechnologist (CT) is a laboratory specialist who is responsible for examining human cell samples under the microscope for early signs of cancer and other diseases. The cytotechnologist analyzes subtle cell changes both nuclear and cytoplasmic and compares these changes to normal cell findings for that body site. The cytotechnologist must be familiar with normal anatomy and histology for all the body systems and must be familiar with the disease processes that can affect these body sites. By comparing these facts with the clinical history provided for the patient, the cytotechnologist can judge the significance of the cell findings observed. The cytotechnologist can issue the final report for certain specimens that are normal; when abnormal cells are present, the cytotechnologist works with the pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis. Cytotechnologists work independently with little supervision. They must be patient, precise, and have relatively good eyesight. Above all, the cytotechnologist must enjoy making decisions and taking responsibility, because their correct analysis of microscopic cellular changes can directly affect a patient s course of treatment and may save the patient s life by early detection of cancer. I chose a career as a cytotechnologist because I have always been interested in looking at cells under the microscope. I find the work challenging and the variety of tasks interesting. I chose to be a medical technologist because I was interested in the science of the human body. I like my job because every day I know I helped improve somebody s quality of life. Minimum Education Requirement: (MT) A baccalaureate degree and completion of an accredited medical technologist program. Minimum Education Requirement: (MLT) An associate degree and completion of an accredited medical laboratory technician program. If you go on to earn a baccalaureate degree and have the appropriate experience, you can advance to the medical technologist (MT) level. Minimum Education Requirement: (CT) A baccalaureate degree and completion of an accredited cytotechnologist program.

5 The Histotechnologist and Histotechnician The Phlebotomy Technician and Donor Phlebotomy Technician Cancer can often be detected in the arrangement of cells in a tissue sample. After a sample tissue is taken from the patient, it is sent to the histotechnician (HT), who prepares the tiny sections of body tissues for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Working closely with the pathologist, the histologic technician processes tissue biopsies removed during surgery. The tissue is cut into very thin slices, mounted on slides and stained with special dyes to make the cell details visible under the microscope. By examining the section of tissue, the pathologist and the surgeon can learn if disease is present, or if it has spread, and decide the best course of treatment for the patient. The histotechnologist (HTL) has advanced training in how and why specimens are collected and processed for testing. That expertise qualifies the histotechnologist to manage even unexpected situations in the laboratory, such as solving technical or instrument problems, understanding the underlying health and disease causes of unusual test results, and evaluating new laboratory techniques and procedures. Histotechnicians and histotechnologists must work quickly, because they are frequently under pressure to deliver results while the patient is in surgery. They work with fragile, delicate instruments as well as knives, chemicals, and glass slides. They must value precision and be comfortable working with equipment that requires careful monitoring. Do you want to work directly with patients? Then a career as a phlebotomy technician (PBT) is a good choice. The laboratory depends on the phlebotomy technician to collect quality samples from the patient to produce quality laboratory results. To do this, the phlebotomy technician must create an atmosphere of trust and confidence with patients while drawing blood specimens in a skillful, safe, and reliable manner. A phlebotomy technician who collects units of blood from volunteer donors can become certified as a Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT), offering specialized expertise to blood centers. Phlebotomy technicians must like challenge and responsibility. They must also be accurate, work well under pressure, and communicate effectively. Because the phlebotomy technician works directly with the patient, he or she must also act as the eyes and ears of the doctors, nurses, and laboratory professionals. The phlebotomy technician must notice and relay any important information gathered during interaction with patients. Phlebotomy technicians must set high standards for themselves, and they must be deeply committed to quality health care delivery. Related Careers: Apheresis Technician, Hemapheresis Practitioner, Blood Banking Technologist I chose a career in histology because I liked the idea of helping the pathologist diagnose diseases. I feel very good knowing I have helped someone. As a phlebotomist, I interact with patients, so they see me as the face of the laboratory. I work with patients in the hospital and those who are homebound. I love the variety of people I serve every day. Minimum Education Requirement: (HT) A high school diploma and completion of accredited histology program. If you go on to earn a baccalaureate degree, you can advance to the histotechnologist (HTL) level. Minimum Education Requirement: (PBT) A high school graduate with acceptable phlebotomy training or work experience. Minimum Education Requirement: (DPT) A high school graduate with acceptable training or work experience in donor phlebotomy.

6 Oppor tunities A Career Full of Options With a career in the medical laboratory, you make the choices. Once you complete your education and the certification exam, your opportunities are limited only by your imagination. Whichever career you pursue as a laboratory professional, you can do many different things with your training. The Bench The Supervisor The Laboratory Manager Laboratory professionals who choose to work at the bench (the central workstation and testing area in a laboratory) experience the hands-on technical work that is performed on a daily basis. Monitoring of quality control programs in the laboratory is an important part of this job. Because today s laboratories are highly computerized, the laboratory professional who chooses to do testing must be a trouble-shooter who knows how each piece of equipment works and how to fix it if it s not working properly. These laboratory professionals can also work in the research and development department of a chemical or pharmaceutical company, helping to develop new and improved products for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Laboratory professionals who have gained experience at the bench and produce superior-quality work can be promoted to the supervisory level. As a supervisor of one or several laboratory departments, the individual is responsible for making sure the laboratory work assignments are completed. Arranging work schedules and managing personnel are important aspects of this job. The supervisor usually reports to the laboratory manager. A technologist with both solid leadership ability and supervisory experience can become a laboratory manager. The laboratory manager is responsible for the day-to-day planning, coordination, and overall supervision of all laboratory operations. Many laboratory managers have advanced business degrees; some go on to earn certification as a Diplomat in Laboratory Management (DLM), a highly specialized credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge, focused experience, and a continuing commitment to providing an effective, efficient, high-quality laboratory environment. The person chosen to be laboratory manager must have the right combination of people skills, business knowledge, and technical experience to coordinate the work of other laboratory personnel. The laboratory manager s day is varied and challenging. He or she hires employees, prepares budgets, organizes work schedules, and meets with sales representatives to select laboratory supplies and equipment, and oversees marketing for the laboratory. The laboratory manager works with the pathologist to make sure that the quality of work done in the laboratory meets the highest standards.

7 The specialists The Program Director The Teacher The Researcher The Molecular Pathology Technologist The Forensic Scientist The Specialist in Blood Banking A technologist who likes to teach others can become a program director in an accredited or approved medical laboratory science program. The accredited programs, located in universities, community colleges, hospitals, and laboratories, give students the chance to work and train in a real-life laboratory setting. The program director is responsible for planning and coordinating the students coursework and clinical training while at the school. The program director may teach in the classroom, at the microscope, or at the bench. He or she helps students understand the theory behind the tests they ll be doing as certified professionals. Additional responsibilities include giving new students guidance throughout their school years and helping them with job placement when they graduate. For anyone working in a medical laboratory, education is a career-long activity. Some teachers work with those just entering the field, teaching basic laboratory skills. Others are specialists who offer continuing education in selected topics. These teachers help working technicians and technologists to keep their existing skills sharp, as well as to learn advanced new techniques and procedures to improve their ability to serve patients. Laboratory technologists and technicians use their investigative skills in medical research to explore new frontiers in medicine or to develop new products. In a medical center s research laboratory, the laboratory professional tests new ideas about the origin of diseases, develops new laboratory methods, and evaluates the effectiveness of new types of clinical treatment. To do this, he or she operates computers and precision instruments many of which are designed specially for each project. As a researcher, the laboratory professional could be part of a team that discovers an unknown disease or a cure for a fatal disease, or expands the scientific knowledge of a known disease. In research and development departments of manufacturing companies, laboratory professionals help develop commercial diagnostic products, such as over-the-counter testing kits for pregnancy, cholesterol levels, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney problems, and other diseases. Medicine s most exciting new frontier is at the molecular level, where the fast-growing field of molecular pathology is breaking ground in our understanding of human health. Research has discovered that many disease states, including cancer, have their origins at the molecular or genetic level. Technologists in molecular pathology (MP) are helping to diagnose and even predict such diseases in the laboratory, often before any other symptoms present themselves. In addition, molecular examination can help to identify and isolate diseasecausing microorganisms by their genetic material, enabling more effective design of new drugs and treatments. As we learn more about the human genome, the role of the technologist in molecular pathology will only grow in importance. Additional Areas of Specialty: Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Virology, Laboratory Safety, Laboratory Management, Immunohistochemistry, Cytometry, Point-of-Care Testing Evaluator, Laboratory Compliance Forensic science is one of the most intriguing and today, one of the most popular arenas of laboratory medicine. While the current images in movies and television may not accurately reflect the real day-to-day routine of the forensic scientist, it is still true that forensic investigation can offer a rewarding career that calls on the full array of skills acquired and developed in clinical laboratory science programs. Studies in chemistry, histology, hematology, immunology, microbiology, cytology, and toxicology may all be involved in the investigation of a case, depending on the type of evidence detected at and recovered from a scene. Forensic science makes a contribution that is vital to our criminal and civil justice system and a daily challenge to the laboratory specialist. The blood bank is an essential resource in the modern health care system, and its daily operation falls under the responsibilities of the Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB). The specialist helps to ensure the safety and ready availability of the blood supply used in surgical, trauma, and disease treatment. Donor supplies are collected and tested, processed and catalogued, stored and retrieved, all under the supervision of the specialist. In addition, the specialist is responsible for continuing education to ensure that all technologists and technicians in the blood bank know and use the most current techniques for the safety of both blood donors and blood recipients. The Laboratory Informatics Specialist Today s medical laboratory depends on digital technology, making laboratory informatics an ideal way to combine an interest in computers with an interest in laboratory science. The informatics specialist is a laboratory technologist or technician who specializes in working with critical clinical systems, managing hardware and software installations, supervising the security and integrity of patient record databases, helping to interface patient laboratory test results with hospital mainframe systems, and administering disaster recovery procedures.

8 Preparation for Careers in Laboratory Science & Certification Information Resources No matter what career choices they make, all medical laboratory professionals have certain common characteristics: They are problem solvers. They like challenge and responsibility. They are accurate, reliable, emotionally stable, work well under pressure, and are able to finish a task once started. They communicate well, both in writing and speaking. They set high standards for themselves and expect quality in the work they do. But, above all, they are deeply committed to their profession, and are truly fascinated by all that science has to offer. Unlike many other careers, your education in medical laboratory science prepares you directly for a job. While you re going to school, you can work part-time in a laboratory to earn extra money. And you could start working full-time the day after you graduate. Scholarships Through the generous contributions of its members and support from Dade Behring, Inc., the American Society for Clinical Pathology offers scholarships to qualified students enrolled in approved laboratory science educational and training programs. Scholarship selection criteria include academic achievement, leadership abilities and community activities, professional goals, and endorsements from faculty and community leaders. Company, Scholarships. Education/Training and Certification Requirements ASCP Board of Registry Mail: 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600 Chicago, IL Phone: or (800) bor@ascp.org Web site: Accredited Programs in Cytotechnology Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs Mail: 515 N. State St., Suite 7530 Chicago, IL Phone: Accredited Programs in Medical Laboratory Technology and Histologic Technology National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences Mail: 8410 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Suite 670 Chicago, IL Phone: To prepare for a career as a laboratory professional you should have a solid foundation in high school sciences biology, chemistry, math, and computer science. You ll need a combination of formal education plus clinical education in a laboratory science program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). There are a variety of these post high school programs to choose from. Bring this brochure when you meet with your guidance counselor, or speak with the laboratory professionals at your local hospital or laboratory. To be sure that laboratory personnel are competent and able to perform high-quality laboratory tests, the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) gives a national certification exam. Students take this exam after meeting their academic and laboratory education requirements. Those that pass the exam may use the initials MT, MLT, CT, HLT, HT, PA, or PBT after their names.