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Careers
in Pathology and Medical Laboratory Science
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www.ascp.org
www.dadebehring.com
Have you ever wondered...
What happens to the blood sample
you give at the doctors office?
How doctors diagnose disease?
How you can have a rewarding
career helping others?
Welcome
Welcome to the world of the medical
laboratory. Its a world of technology,
science, and mystery, where medical
laboratory professionals and patholo-
gists find answers to questions that
are both routine and miraculous.
Does this tissue sample contain
cancer? What can this womans
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 behind-
the-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
patientand 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 laborato-
ries 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 rewardsare endless.
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!
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
The Pathologist
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 testsinformation
that is important for the patients
diagnosis and recovery. The patholo-
gist and the patients other doctors
consult on which tests to order,
interpretation of test results, and
appropriate treatments. Pathologists
play a vital role on the patients
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 pathologists 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
biopsiesspecially 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.
Minimum Education Requirement: (MD)
Satisfactory completion of medical school, an accredited
student Resident Program, and an approved residency in
Pathology.
The Pathologists Assistant
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 physicians
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.
Minimum Education Requirement: (PA)
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally
accredited college or university and successful
completion of an accredited Pathologists
Assistant program.
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. Thats what pathologists
do. I also like the way pathology is a broad intellectual field.
The Cytotechnologist
Minimum Education Requirement: (CT)
A baccalaureate degree and completion of an accredited
cytotechnologist program.
The Medical Technologist and
Medical Laboratory Technician
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 somebodys quality of life.
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.
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.
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.
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 changesboth nuclear and
cytoplasmicand compares these
changes to normal cell findings
for that body site. The cytotechnolo-
gist 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 patients course of
treatment and may save the patients
life by early detection of cancer.
The Phlebotomy Technician and
Donor Phlebotomy Technician
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
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.
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.
The Histotechnologist and Histotechnician
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.
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 histotechnolo-
gists 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.
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.
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.
Oppor
The Bench
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 todays 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 its 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.
The Supervisor
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 responsi-
ble 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.
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 managers
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.
tunities
A Career Full of Options
The Program Director
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 theyll 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.
The Teacher
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.
The Researcher
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 centers 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
instrumentsmany 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.
The Molecular Pathology Technologist
Medicines 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 disease-
causing 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.
The Forensic Scientist
Forensic science is one of the most
intriguingand 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
systemand a daily challenge to the
laboratory specialist.
The Specialist in Blood Banking
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
Todays 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.
specialists
The
Additional Areas of Specialty:
Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Virology,
Laboratory Safety, Laboratory Management,
Immunohistochemistry, Cytometry,
Point-of-Care Testing Evaluator,
Laboratory Compliance
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 youre 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.
To prepare for a career as a laboratory professional you should
have a solid foundation in high school sciencesbiology,
chemistry, math, and computer science.
Youll 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 posthigh 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 require-
ments. Those that pass the exam may use the initials MT,
MLT, CT, HLT, HT, PA, or PBT after their names.
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. www.ascp.org/careerlinks/scholar-
ships. www.dadebehring.com, Company, Scholarships.
Education/Training and Certification Requirements
ASCP Board of Registry
Mail: 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603-5617
Phone: 312-541-4999 or (800) 621-4142
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.ascp.org/bor
Accredited Programs in Cytotechnology
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Mail: 515 N. State St., Suite 7530
Chicago, IL 60610-4377
Phone: 312-464-4624
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 60631
Phone: 773-714-8880
Preparation for Careers in
Laboratory Science & Certification
Information Resources