Monday, 7 May 2012

Laboratory Science Degree Programs: Testing for Career Success

The health care industry is one of the fasting growing employment sectors in the United States. One of the fastest growing is within the clinic laboratory field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment growth to outpace the overall national employment rate through 2016.
Clinical laboratory testing is a vital component of our health care system. Like physicians, clinical laboratory technicians and technologists aid in the detection as well as treatment of various diseases and ailments. From analyzing cells and bodily fluids to testing for blood transplant matches, clinical laboratory technicians are at the forefront of disease treatment.

Online Education Opportunities in Laboratory Science

Students in an online degree program for laboratory science benefit from flexible schedules and the ability to study from home. Today, the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Sciences has accredited 470 programs that offer various laboratory science degrees. In a bachelor's degree program, you can expect courses in the biological sciences, mathematics, microbiology, statistics, chemistry, as well as numerous courses specific to building clinical skills in the laboratory.

Job Prospects for Laboratory Science Professionals

Online degree holders may go on to employ a number of varied positions, clinical laboratory technician, medical technician, histotechnologist, cytogenetic technologist, and more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment opportunities for medical and clinical laboratory technicians to increase by 14 percent through 2016.
In 2007, laboratory technologists earned a median annual salary of $51,720 and laboratory technicians earned $34,270. Some of the top employers in 2007 included hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, colleges and universities, private physician offices, as well as pharmaceutical companies.
If you are looking to join this flourishing sector of the health care industry, enroll now in an online education program. By doing so, you can enjoy the freedom of working at your own pace to secure the skills you need to excel in this line of work.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical, Dental, and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Karin Hansen lives and works in San Francisco. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in English literature, and edits a music blog in her spare time.

No comments:

Post a Comment