Click on one of the options below to find out more about why a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology is a good career move.

• Advancement Opportunities
• A Medical Orientation
  
• Job Security
  
• Competitive Salaries
  
• A Robust Job Market
  
• Versatility
  
• Good Benefits
  
• Mobility

Click here for a page with lists of possible career paths that could be taken with a degree in CLS/MT.

Advancement Opportunities:

A bachelor's degree in MT/CLS provides an excellent foundation for career advancement. Among the careers graduates ahve pursued are the following, some requiring additional advanced education:

• physician
• medical laboratory manager
• director of public health laboratories
• university professor
• scientific researcher in university, industry, and biotechnology labs
• hospital administrator
• laboratory computer systems manager
• laboratory inspector
• hospital infection control officer
• dentist
• veterinarian
• pathologist assistant
• physician assistant
• health promotion coordinator
• chiropractor
• medical care facilities administrator
• attorney

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A Medical Orientation:

The MT/CLS programs have a stronger basic science orientation than most of the other allied health professions, emphasizing human biology and pathobiology, chemistry, and mathematics. The medical orientation of the MT and CLS majors makes them excellent choices for students planning post-graduate professional careers in medicine, dentistry, physician assistancy, optometry, veterinary medicine, and medical research. The occupational orientation also provides an alternative if students do not achieve their post-graduate school admission in their first effort. For students seeking a medically-oriented career, Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science offer one of the few options available on the Michigan State campus.

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Job Security:

The 1999 Careers Rated Almanac rated Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science as the 18th best job in the US, based in part on job security. Careers in medicine are projected to continue to be secure as the US population ages and the need for medical care providers continues. Although some aspects of laboratory testing are becoming even more automated and robotics are introduced, the skills of the baccalaureate laboratory scientist are projected to change, but not be eliminated. The need continues for individuals with a solid science background to manage laboratory services, troubleshoot testing problems, select and evaluate new methods, monitor test quality, insure regulatory compliance... and the list continues.

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Competitive Salaries:

The 1999 Careers Rated Almanac rated Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science as the 18th best job in the US, based in part on salaries. Bachelor's pre[ared certified laboratory professionals earn starting salaries of approximately $35,000. Individuals willing to work afternoon and over-night shifts earn more. Some employers pay signing bonuses to attract qualified individuals.

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A Robust Job Market:

The 1998 vacancy survey comducted by the Amerian Society of Clinical Pathologists demostrated a vacancy rate for certified laboratory scientists of 10-15% nationwide; the rate may actually be higher now. Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals publishes nearly 50 pages of job ads weekly. Copies of Advance are available in the Medical Technology Program office.

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Versatility:

Medical technology/clinical laboratory science is inherently versatile with generalists being prepared to work in hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hemostasis, urinalysis, and blood bank laboratories. These skills are applicable in a variety of other laboratories such as public health laboratories, organ transplant laboratories, pharmaceutical testing laboratories, and drug detection laboratories.

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Good Benefits:

Employers of medical technologists/clinical laboratory scientists provide excellent employment benefits typically including:

• tuition reimbursement
• continuing education assistance
• medical benefits packages
• holiday, vacation, and sick leave

Demand is currently high, so some employers will also provide tuition loan repayment and relocation fees.

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Mobility:

A robust job market with the versatile skills of a medical technologist/clinical laboratory mean that there are jobs available throughout the U.S. From urban areas to rural, coast to coast and border to border, Medical Technology Program graduates are in demand. So if you want to go south for warmer winters, enjoy the remoteness of Alaska, or move back home near family, there are jobs to be found.

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