Employment Descriptions

The field of clinical laboratory sciences offers opportunities for service to those students who are interested in the biological and chemical sciences. Clinical laboratory scientists are academically prepared and skilled laboratory workers who perform a variety of analysis which aid the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. The procedures which they utilize may disclose changes which might not be detected in other ways.

The Clinical Laboratory Technician and Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs all routine procedures; however, the CLS is distinguished by advanced skills. CLT's and CLS's are employed in the following clinical areas:

• Clinical microscopy is the analysis of urine, spinal fluid and other body fluids.
• Clinical chemistry employs complex testing procedures for blood and other body fluids.
• Hematology includes the studies of blood, blood forming tissues, and coagulation phenomena.
• Immunohematology examines antigen-antibody reactions and their effect on the blood (particularly for transfusions). 
• Clinical microbiology identifies disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as evaluating antibiotics for treatment effectiveness.
• Parasitology uses microscopic techniques to identify the presence of parasites.
• Serology evaluates antigen antibody reactions for evidence of disease. 

The laboratory scientist's responsibility, although varied, requires an understanding of the theoretical and scientific fundamentals underlying the procedures involved, which include a broad based knowledge in the principles of human biology, chemistry, analytical instrumentation, and a familiarity with the educational and managerial aspects associated with one who occupies a professional role in a wide variety of settings.

For questions concerning any of our degrees, please contact:
Valerie Long
Health Professions Academic Advisor
 870-972-3713
 vlong@astate.edu