CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

24
ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
Table 1-4 Differences in Technologist (CLS/MT) and Technician (CLT/MLT) Duties
Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory
Scientist (CLS/MT)
Medical Laboratory Technician/Clinical
Laboratory Technician (CLT/MLT)
Education Minimum of bachelor’s degree Associate’s (2-year) degree
Duties
Clinical laboratory technologists may evaluate
test results, develop and modify procedures, and
establish and monitor programs, to ensure the
accuracy of tests. In many laboratories, technologists
supervise clinical laboratory technicians.
Some states require that a technologist be
available for technicians to report independent
test results.
Clinical laboratory technicians perform less-complex
tests and laboratory procedures than do technologists.
Usually these are repetitive in nature and do not
often call for subjective interpretation. Technicians
often prepare specimens or operate automated
analyzers with detailed instructions provided.
Technicians may perform manual tests in accordance
with detailed instructions. They most often work
with supervision by medical and clinical laboratory
technologists. Just as technologists do, clinical
laboratory technicians may work in any of the several
areas of the clinical laboratory or may specialize in
one area.
Certification
Teaching
Specialization
Complexity of Testing
Certification is provided by a number of agencies
(e.g., AMT, ASCP, AAB)
Accreditors of educational programs require
instructors who are technologists/laboratory
scientists. Some agencies require a minimum of
a master’s degree for a program director and for
teaching.
Categorical specialization is available; these
require a master’s degree in most instances
Perform tests of moderate- and high-complexity
(CLIA rules)
Certification is provided by a number of agencies
(e.g., AMT, ASCP, AAB)
Technicians are not qualified to teach the academic
portions of medical laboratory programs by accrediting
agencies for educational programs.
Not available for technician-level medical laboratory
personnel; requires MT certification; often a master’s
degree
Depends on facility; most technicians do not perform
high-complexity tests
Supervisory Role Departments supervised by MTs or CLSs Technicians are not assigned supervisory roles in an
official capacity
supervisor, general supervisor, and testing personnel). While CLIA has specified
the qualifications for different personnel roles within a clinical laboratory, it
does not differentiate the CLS/MT from the CLT/MLT. NAACLS revised the
CLS/MT program standards in 1995, and again in 2001, to ensure that CLS/MT
programs are preparing graduates to possess the skills set for the consultant and
management job specifications as defined by CLIA.
NAACLS hosted a futures conference in September 2000 to profile laboratory
professionals of the future and to differentiate the future roles of the CLS/MT
and the CLT/MLT. The Executive Summary of the conference outcomes defines
some of the responsibilities expected of the CLS/MT graduate in 2005: “Management
opportunities will include laboratory supervision and coordination,
laboratory finance issues and roles in compliance and reimbursement.” “CLS/
MTs as educators will educate the CLT/MLTs, staff, patients and the public.
CLS/MTs will have opportunities in consultation, wellness programs, and public
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