Clinical Laboratory Assistant and Technician Programs in Allied Health

The work of clinical laboratory assistants is of paramount importance since Doctors’ diagnoses and treatment options invariably depend on the results that technicians provide. They usually work in laboratories providing patient care by analyzing, interpreting samples and conducting tests to identify and treat illnesses and diseases. Work settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, research laboratories and government agencies. Technicians and technologists can enhance their learning further to become cytotechnologists, diagnostic molecular scientists, histotechnologists and phlebotomists.

Formal education programs include Associate degrees along side diplomas and certifications through campus and online modes. The online channel provides mixed education with distance learning and supervised laboratory experience. Technicians and Technologists are slightly different with the latter usually possessing Bachelor’s degrees and supervising the former. After completion of Associate or Bachelor degrees or both, technologists are required to complete a national certification. Assistants, technicians and technologists can advance their careers further by pursuing Master’s and Doctorate programs, some in the management stream. Course work involves biology and organic chemistry with additional coverage of urinalysis, microbiology and lab techniques. A bachelor’s degree may entail biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and computer programs.

As per the forecast of Bureau of Labor Statistics, 14% growth in jobs is expected for laboratory technicians and technologists through 2016. Average earnings of clinical laboratory technicians were $34,270 whereas it was $51,720 for clinical laboratory technologists in 2007.

Argosy and Kaplan Universities lead the group in quality programs with the former focusing creation of successful and meaningful careers and the latter in helping students achieve their goals. Everest and Sanford Brown Colleges offer innovative and enabling programs that are designed to prepare students for careers in health sciences. Rasmussen College provides quality and practical education placing students in the forefront of the health care industry.