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Job Outlook/Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor projects that the employment of clinical laboratory technicians and scientists will increase by 10-20% through the year 2008. According to Jobs Rated Almanac, clinical laboratory science has 25% job growth and good job security. Among health related professions, it currently ranks #3. In 2004, the average starting salary for clinical laboratory technicians was about $26,000 to $30,000, and $38,000 to $43,000 annually for clinical laboratory scientists, based on geographic location. Currently there is a shortage in many parts of the country guaranteeing employment and higher salaries for graduates.

Testimonials:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist

"As a staff clinical laboratory scientist, everyday brings something different for which I have to bring together all my knowledge from my CLS training to assess the situation. I find this one of the most exciting aspects of my career. The biggest reward from being a staff clinical laboratory scientist in a hospital is to know that what we do has an immediate impact on the care for critically ill patients. Together, with the nurses and physicians, we help provide the patient with the best possible care."

Holly Step, CLS (NCA)
Microbiology Laboratory
St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL
Holly is a 1999 graduate of the St. John’s Hospital School of Clinical Laboratory Science.

Clinical Laboratory Technician

"I thoroughly enjoy my technician position in the Blood Bank because it involves me in so many aspects of the medical center - preparing components for surgery, pre-surgical screens and testing, traumas and emergencies of all kinds, and testing for oncology patients - besides the usual hospital blood bank procedures. Work is always challenging; there is generally something new occurring and there seems to always be a problem or two to solve. Lately a problem is not having enough staff - so we definitely keep busy! I love it."

Mercea Clanin Wilson
Blood Bank Laboratory
OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL
Mercea is a 1996 CLT Graduate of Illinois Central College in Peoria, IL.