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Explore the Careers of CLS
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (also known as Medical Technologist) is a “disease detective” – helping to pinpoint
the cause of disease through the examination and analysis of blood,
tissue and body fluids. 
Specialty areas of laboratory medicine include clinical chemistry, hematology, transfusion services, clinical immunology,
clinical microbiology and the emerging field of molecular diagnostics.
It
is estimated that 70-80% of a physician’s medical decisions on any
one patient are a direct result of laboratory test data.
The field of laboratory testing has evolved, and with the
appearance of sophisticated automated analytical instruments, the CLS
practitioner finds him or herself in the role of making decisions about the
validity of data to be used by physicians in medical decisions. This type
of analysis requires extensive knowledge of normal and abnormal physiology,
correlation of laboratory data to specific disease as well as extensive knowledge
of instrumentation and individual test principles.
The high-demand field of CLS offers rapid advancement, multiple employment opportunities and a competitive salary.
Why choose CLS as a career? It's a great opportunity!
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Excellent employment outlook – one of the Top 20 best jobs
and #3 in the medical occupation category by Jobs Rated Almanac (1999).
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12,400 new laboratorians needed each year from 2002 to 2010.
(This is 8,000 positions per year that exceed the estimated number of graduates)
High demand – 6.7% (W.South Central) to 18.8% vacancy rates (Northeast)
for current positions (reported for 2000)
Rapid advancement within the field
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Outstanding background for pursuing further academic or professional
studies, as well as multiple employment opportunities outside of the medical arena. (see our graduate profiles and career opportunities)
Earning Potential:
Competitive salaries for bachelor’s level degree: (median for 2000
= $40,510 - U.S. Department of Labor)
Local starting salaries (Kansas City and surrounding area) range from
$17 to $22 per hour (as reported by recent graduates). National range = $15.00
- $20.00 per hour.
Sign-on bonuses $1000 to $5000.
Careers
Careers in CLS are dynamic, high-tech and versatile. They offer numerous career
options that are not only exciting but are stable, secure and less dependent
on the economy.
Careers in CLS
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A degree in CLS can lead to exciting career opportunities. Even if you plan
to enter medical school, a bachelor of science in CLS will give you a head
start among other first year medical students. Graduates of CLS have unlimited
opportunities in hospital laboratories, clinics, forensic laboratories, veterinary
clinics, and in medical, biotechnology and industrial research laboratories.
Other areas include cytogenetics, cytotechnology and histology.
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Careers in Demand
Where to Begin
Why choose KU?
Frequently Asked
Questions
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