A medical laboratory profession opens doors to diversification and advancement along
scientific, managerial and teaching routes. Typically additional education is required.
Varied scientific settings - a few examples
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Although most medical laboratory professionals work in hospital laboratories, there
are other laboratories where their skills are valued including:
For individuals who want advancement with a focus on science
Forensic scientist - a master's degree or PhD in Chemistry is recommended for those
who want to work in forensics/crime laboratory testing. A clinical experience in a
crime laboratory is required. View a video interview with a forensic scientist.
Laboratory specialist - After some years working full time in a department, and with
additional studies, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist can qualify for the specialty
exam in Microbiology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, or Hematology.
Trace Analysis/Toxicologist - Recovers samples from crime scenes and tests for minute
amounts of substances, especially toxins. Usually a Ph.D. in Clinical Chemistry or
Toxicology is required.
Laboratory Technical Director - a Ph.D. specialist in one of the laboratory disciplines
such as microbiology or clinical chemistry will be responsible for development and
implementation of new methods as well as management of the department.
Pathologist - a medical doctor who specializes in laboratory medicine
genetic
DNA testing - tests for the presence of DNA and performs DNA matches with the help
of computer databases. Usually requires a Master in Forensic Science degree is needed
when doing DNA testing in a crime lab.
Infectious disease surveillance officer - a bachelor's prepared individual can qualify
to monitor infectious agents within the hospital to help prevent patients from developing
infections.
Research scientist - although individuals at all levels of education can find jobs
in research, primary investigators will hold doctoral degrees. They may work in industries
like pharmaceuticals or on college campuses. View a video interview with a research scientist.
Advanced management careers - some examples
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Department supervisors - bachelor's degree individuals in any laboratory specialty
area can advance to supervise daily operations in their area expertise. View a video interview with a laboratory supervisor.
Laboratory manager or administrator - bachelor's or master's degrees prepare individuals
from any laboratory specialty to manage the operations of the entire laboratory including
finances, personnel, physical facilities, marketing, regulatory compliance, information
systems and more. View a video interview with a laboratory manager.
Information systems manager - laboratory information systems are a significant component
of laboratory operations and bachelor's prepared individuals can specialize in this
are. View a video interview with an information systems manager.
Compliance office - bachelor's and master's prepared individuals may take on the responsibility
of insuring that the laboratory or other hospital departments meet all legal requirements
including insurance billing, safety, waste disposal and more
Hospital administrator - from director of personnel to hospital CEO, the analytical
thinking skills of laboratory professionals can be applied to administrative decisions
and duties. Typically a master's degree will be required for advancement to such positions.
Sales representative or marketing manager - medical supplies and pharmaceutical sales
offer opportunities to individuals with associate or bachelor's degrees who enjoy
meeting the public and the art of persuasion. View a video interview with a laboratory product sales representative.
Advanced careers in education and teaching - just a taste of what is possible
Teaching scientist/technologist - individuals with a special interest in teaching
can assume responsibilities within the laboratory to teach students and new hirees
Education coordinator - most laboratories designate an individual to coordinate continuing
professional education as well as training of new staff and students.
Educational program director - for institutions with formal educational programs,
master's prepared individuals can direct those programs overseeing student selection,
assessment, and monitoring; curriculum development; accreditation compliance and more
University/college faculty member - master's and doctoral prepared individuals become
faculty in academic educational programs in laboratory sciences. Besides teaching,
they conduct research and serve their professional communities in various ways. View a video interview with a university faculty member.
Technical representative - laboratory supplies and instrument companies employ individuals
to train customers in the use of their products
