1 answer
1
Updated 216 views

What is it like being a clinical lab scientist?

12th Grade High School Student

spring25 healthcare scientist laboratory clinical-research
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
1

1 answer

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kathleen’s Answer

Danica, thank you for this question! I'm retired from the clinical laboratory after over 40 years of loving it. The field is so often overlooked but is one of the most critical in Healthcare. Most every diagnosis and treatment decision is based on lab results. One of my favorite physicians always said, " Without the lab, doctors are just guessing. " The field has changed a lot through the years, but that fact has not changed. There are many different disciplines in laboratory medicine, and each tech is typically drawn to one or two specific areas, though many love the variety. The workload varies on the institution but the work life balance is good as the shifts are defined and rarely is one called on to work overtime unless there are unusual circumstances. The pay is not the best in Healthcare, but that depends on where you're employed. It is always a good, living wage. The CLS is like a detective, so that's fun! And the instrumentation is phenomenal. Keeping the analyzers in proper working order is part of the job, because getting accurate results is so important. There are many opportunities within the field beyond just hospital or clinic lab testing. With experience you can progress to consulting, inspecting, or research and development of tests and equipment, becoming a representative or technical trainer in the field. In the clinic setting you actually know the patients and have a strong sense of why your work matters. In short, it's a great field with many awesome opportunities. Go for it!
Kathie
0