General Career Description
The clinical laboratory scientist has an important role on the health care team.  Using laboratory equipment, the clinical laboratory scientist analyzes body fluid samples, such as blood, urine, or DNA samples.  These results of these analyses provide information that helps physicians diagnose or monitor a patient's state of health or disease. The clinical laboratory scientist typically works in a clinical laboratory setting, such as a hospital or reference laboratory. Other work settings may include academic research centers, physician’s offices, and industry.

To be a clinical laboratory scientist, you should:

• have a strong interest in the health sciences;

• be able to complete tasks accurately under pressure;

• enjoy solving problems and trouble-shooting;
• be comfortable working with technical equipment; and
• have good communication skills (verbal and written)

Education requirements for becoming a clinical laboratory scientist:

• Solid foundation in high school level sciences, including biology, chemistry, and math.
• College level science courses as well as completion of an accredited clinical laboratory scientist program.  Listings of accredited programs can be found at the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.