Pathology Assistant (Path - A) |
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) |
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A highly trained, allied health professional who provides various services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Pathologists' Assistants interact with pathologists in a manner similar to physician’s assistants in surgical and medical practice. Path A's are academically and practically trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including the majority of pathological specimens. Education requires a master's degree with a focus in Pathology Assistant Studies.
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MLS work closely with physicians, nurses, management, and other teams in healthcare to diagnosis and monitor patients for disease processes and efficacy of treatments. Areas of medical laboratory training include microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics. Education requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but some master's MLS programs do exist. However, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement with a focus in MLS or Medical Technology. MLS may be eligible to go into lab management positions.
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Cytogenetist (CG)Have a deep knowledge of DNA and cellular processes to support medical research, diagnosis and treatments for a range of genetic disorders and chromosomal diseases affecting humans from birth through acquired disorders. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree level with a focus in cytogenetics.
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Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)Similar to MLS in day-to-day laboratory testing. However, MLTs may not be able to perform as much testing as MLS depending upon the hospital or state. MLT perform biochemical and microscopic testing for signs of disease in patient blood and body fluids. Educational requirements are an associate's degree level with a focus in Med Lab Technician.
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Histotechnologist (HTL)Specializes in the preparation and analysis of biological tissues for microscopic examination. HTL's help pathologists to diagnose diseases, study cell structures, and understand the underlying causes of various conditions. HTL's work with a wide range of specimens, including tissue samples from surgeries, biopsies, and autopsies. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree level with a focus in histotechnology.
Histotechnician (HT)Specializes in the preparation and analysis of biological tissues for microscopic examination. HT's are similar to HTL's but may have less scope of practice compared to the bachelor's degree level of HTL for aiding pathologists in diagnosis. HT's work with a wide range of specimens, including tissue samples from surgeries, biopsies, and autopsies. Educational requirements include an associate degree level with a focus in histotechnology.
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CytologistsHandle, examine and test samples containing human cells obtained from different parts of the body such as the lungs and reproductive tracts. Cytologists ensure accurate diagnose infectious diseases, cancerous and precancerous lesions, and various conditions that cause inflammation to lung and reproductive organs. Cytologists typically have a bachelor's degree with a focus in cytotechnology or cytology.
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)Primary job responsibilities including supporting MLS and MLTs by receiving samples, loading analyzers, and making sure preanalytical variables are correct prior to laboratory testing other laboratorians. Educational experiences vary but the minimum requirements are a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Phlebotomist (PBT)Trained to take blood samples from patients in a medical setting and transport them to the appropriate laboratories for testing. PBT duties include preparing the testing room with the proper tools, keeping patients calm while drawing blood and labeling samples for further analysis in medical laboratories. Educational requirements vary, but the minimum requirements are a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
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