Which career combines dna technology and medicine?

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Medical laboratory technician

Medical laboratory technicians remove and prepare samples for analysis. They may also perform tests and examinations on blood, urine and other fluids to detect signs of disease.

Medical laboratory technicians are responsible for maintaining the accuracy, safety and quality of clinical laboratory tests and results. They collect samples from patients, process them and perform a variety of diagnostic tests on them. Medical lab technicians use precision instruments such as microscopes and centrifuges, as well as computerized equipment, to analyze blood specimens. The results are used by physicians in their diagnoses.

The role of medical laboratory technician is one of the fastest growing occupations in the health care industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment will increase by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than average for all occupations.*

Medical laboratory technicians are highly skilled health care workers who perform a variety of laboratory tests and procedures. They work in hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and other health care facilities.

The job outlook for medical laboratory technicians is expected to grow faster than average through 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Medical Laboratory Technician Duties

Medical laboratory technicians typically perform routine tests and procedures on samples from patients’ blood, urine, spinal fluid or tissue. They may work alone or with a team under the supervision of physicians or other health professionals.

Medical laboratory technicians may be called upon to:

Collect samples from patients’ blood, urine and other body fluids

Prepare specimens for analysis by performing simple tests such as counting white blood cells or measuring glucose levels in blood samples

Handle hazardous materials safely while wearing protective equipment such as goggles, gloves and masks

Analyze test results using specialized equipment such as centrifuges and microscopes

Medical and clinical laboratory technologist

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists work in the medical field, performing a wide range of tests on biological samples. These professionals usually work for hospitals, doctors’ offices, or private laboratories. Since most of their work is done behind the scenes, the public may not realize how important this job really is.

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists must have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some states require them to have an associate degree as well. They receive extensive training on how to perform lab tests and interpret results. Their duties also include maintaining equipment and helping other staff members with their duties.

Duties

The tasks performed by medical and clinical laboratory technologists vary depending on their specific area of expertise within the field of medicine or biology:

Blood bank technicians collect blood from donors and send it to hospitals for transfusion purposes. They may also prepare blood products such as plasma or platelets that are used for medical treatment.

Clinical chemists examine bodily fluids such as urine, saliva, or spinal fluid in order to diagnose diseases or monitor certain medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. They may also test for illegal drug use by analyzing urine samples submitted by probationers or parolees who have been ordered to undergo drug testing as part of their sentence

Pathology assistant

Pathology assistants are health care workers who assist pathologists in performing laboratory tests. They collect, process and manage specimens, especially those taken during surgical procedures or biopsies. They also perform pre-operative preparations and post-operative follow-ups.

The duties of a pathology assistant vary from place to place. Some may be responsible for making sure that lab instruments are properly calibrated before each test, while others may be responsible for mixing chemicals and labeling slides.

Pathology assistants can be found in hospitals, clinics, medical schools and research facilities. They work under the supervision of a licensed pathologist — a doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease by examining body tissues under a microscope. Pathologists often delegate some of their workload to assistants because they need to see large numbers of patients every day and cannot spend all their time performing routine tasks like preparing samples.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects employment opportunities for pathology assistants to grow by 30 percent between 2010 and 2020 as physicians increasingly outsource routine tests to specialized laboratories where technicians do not require advanced degrees or extensive training to perform them

Medical physicist

Medical physicists are an integral part of the diagnostic imaging team. They work with physicians and technologists to ensure that the equipment is working properly, that patients are safe, and that images are appropriately interpreted.

In addition to helping design and implement new technologies, medical physicists perform a wide range of tasks related to patient care:

Patient safety. Medical physicists often provide guidance on radiation safety issues, particularly regarding dose limits for specific procedures. They also help develop procedures for handling potentially dangerous radioactive materials.

Quality assurance testing. Medical physicists may be responsible for performing routine tests on imaging equipment to ensure it’s working properly. They also monitor quality control testing by technicians and other staff members who use the same equipment.

Compliance with regulations. Medical physicists are responsible for ensuring that the hospital or clinic adheres to all applicable federal regulations governing health care facilities and their operations (e.g., licensing requirements).

Genetic counselor

Genetic counselors are health professionals who provide information about the diagnosis, treatment and management of genetic disorders. They also help individuals, families and couples make informed decisions about genetic testing, reproductive options and future health risks.

Genetic counselors are trained to understand the science behind genetic conditions and how it affects individuals and families. They use this knowledge to assess risk for inherited conditions, make appropriate referrals for diagnostic testing and provide counseling about reproductive options.

How much do genetic counselors earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), genetic counselors earned a median salary of $71,110 per year in 2016. The best-paid 10 percent made more than $103,000 while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $53,420 each year.