Laboratory
Laboratory Services | Laboratory Job Descriptions
Laboratory Job Descriptions
Pathologists are physicians who diagnose cancer and other diseases by studying cells and tissue samples under a microscope, and serve as the medical directors of the medical laboratory.
Medical technologists generally have a bachelor's degree in medical technology or in one of the life sciences, and additional coursework and training required to qualify for one for the national licensing exams. They perform many analyses on blood, body fluids, tissue and other body substances, identify bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms and type and cross match blood samples for transfusions.
Cytotechnologists have a bachelor's degree with a strong science background, followed by one year of study in a hospital for specialized training required to qualify for one for the national licensing exams. A cytotechnologist examines human specimens for detection of cancer cells or other diseases and works closely with the pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis.
Histologists typically have an associate's degree followed by a two-year internship required to qualify for one for the national licensing exams. A histologist prepares biopsy and tissue specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Special equipment allows the histologist to cut very thin slices of tissue so that single-cell layers can be seen.
Phlebotomists have a 14-week training program in blood collection, and are encouraged to pursue national certification as well. A phlebotomist is the most commonly encountered team member of the laboratory and is the person responsible for the quality of specimen collection. In some settings phlebotomists may also perform limited testing, and often move on to pursue careers in other areas of the medical field.
Laboratory assistants help the technologist in performing testing in laboratory areas such as blood bank, immunology, cytology, histology and microbiology. Laboratory assistants have taken college courses related to their specific area of specialty.
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