A clinical laboratory assistant collects and processes clinical samples, regulates quality control, and performs office functions. Employers prefer candidates with an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma. Manual dexterity, good eyesight, and organizational and computer skills are essential. Certification from a recognized professional association is also required.
A clinical laboratory assistant, also known as a medical laboratory assistant, is a medical professional who is trained to assist other professionals and physicians in the laboratory. Your responsibilities may include collecting and processing blood samples and other clinical samples, regulating quality control of laboratory equipment, and office functions such as patient registration and tracking billing and insurance records. There are several paths that can allow an individual to become a clinical laboratory assistant, but most employers prefer to hire a candidate who has earned at least an associate’s degree from a junior or community college. Many people can also enter the field with a clinical laboratory assistant certificate or diploma from a professional or technical school or hospital. These programs are also available in the US Armed Forces.
In order to become a clinical laboratory assistant, an individual must possess certain qualities and skills. Manual dexterity and good eyesight are essential for the position’s tasks, as are the skills to work well under pressure and be detail oriented. Organizational and computer skills are also beneficial for an individual pursuing a career as a clinical or medical laboratory assistant.
If a person decides to become a clinical laboratory assistant, he must first obtain a high school diploma. She can then look for an educational program that meets her needs. Medical and clinical laboratory assistant programs are accredited by the Bureau of Accreditation of Schools of Health Education (ABHES) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). While an individual can become a clinical laboratory assistant through on-the-job training, earning a degree or certificate makes them more competitive in their job search. Some states require those who work in laboratories to be registered or certified.
Certificate programs that allow a student to become a clinical laboratory assistant can vary slightly in curriculum, but generally include courses in medical terminology, human biology, clinical laboratory techniques, laboratory specimen processing, and clinical phlebotomy. Once a student earns their degree or certification, they can also apply for certification from a recognized professional association, such as American Medical Technologists. To earn this professional certification, a candidate must meet certain qualifications, pay an application fee, and successfully pass an exam. Thereafter, an annual fee is required to maintain certification, as well as continuing education credits. A student can also choose to earn a bachelor’s degree to become a clinical laboratory assistant.
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