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Clinical Lab Scientist Outcomes & Career Options

Clinical Laboratory scientists supervise or perform laboratory tests that aid the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient’s disease. They have a variety of tasks including: microscopically examine blood, tissue, and other body substances; make cultures of body fluids or tissue samples to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other micro-organisms; analyze samples for chemical content or reaction; and determine blood glucose or cholesterol levels. Clinical laboratory scientist also type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions.

Educational Qualifications

To receive a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory sciences, the Freshman and Sophomore years are at La Sierra University where the students complete their science courses. Then two years of professional study are completed at Loma Linda University.

Job Outlook

New technologies have caused the laboratory field to experience tremendous growth. The job is expected to grow 13% through the year 2020. Opportunities are plentiful, and salaries are on the rise. Clinical, biomedical, and industrial laboratories are having a hard time filing positions. A bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science more than qualifies individuals to work in any of these areas, and medical facilities are actively recruiting qualified graduates. The Clinical Laboratory Science program also has an intense clinical component, and provides an excellent preparation for Medical, Dental or Pharmacy school.

Entering Salary

The average national income is $73,520 /yr, with the average California income being $77,550 /yr.

Career information adapted from:

  • U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2014). Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from  https://www.bls.gov/ooh
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