Average Salaries of Medical Laboratory Technician, Cytotechnologist, and Histotechnician from ASCP Survey

Summary

• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Cytotechnologist
• Histotechnician

Introduction

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) conducts an annual survey to gather data on the salaries of various laboratory professionals across the country. While medical laboratory scientists are often the focus of these surveys, there are several other laboratory professions that are included in the ASCP's Salary survey. In this article, we will explore some of these lesser-known professions and their average salaries.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by performing routine laboratory tests and procedures under the supervision of medical technologists or pathologists. They collect samples, prepare specimens, and analyze bodily fluids to help diagnose and treat patients. According to the ASCP's Salary survey, the average Salary for medical laboratory technicians is around $50,000 per year.

Job Duties

1. Collecting and preparing samples
2. Performing various laboratory tests
3. Analyzing and documenting Test Results
4. Maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies

Educational Requirements

1. Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology
2. Certification from a recognized accrediting agency
3. Clinical training in a hospital or laboratory setting

Cytotechnologist

Cytotechnologists specialize in the study of cells under a microscope to detect abnormalities that may indicate diseases such as cancer. They play a vital role in early cancer detection and prevention by examining cell samples collected from various tissues and organs. The ASCP's Salary survey reports that cytotechnologists earn an average Salary of $70,000 per year.

Job Duties

1. Screening cell samples for abnormalities
2. Preparing reports on findings
3. Assisting pathologists in diagnosing diseases
4. Ensuring Quality Control and accuracy of Test Results

Educational Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree in cytotechnology or related field
2. Certification from the American Society of Cytotechnology
3. Clinical internship in a cytology laboratory

Histotechnician

Histotechnicians are responsible for preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination by pathologists. They handle tissue specimens, process them with various chemicals, and embed them in paraffin wax blocks for slicing and staining. Histotechnicians are an essential part of the pathology team and help in diagnosing diseases such as cancer. According to the ASCP's Salary survey, histotechnicians earn an average Salary of $55,000 per year.

Job Duties

1. Processing tissue specimens
2. Embedding and cutting tissue blocks
3. Staining slides for microscopic examination
4. Performing Quality Control checks

Educational Requirements

1. Associate's degree in histotechnology
2. Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology
3. Clinical training in a histology laboratory

Conclusion

While medical laboratory scientists are often the focal point of discussions about laboratory professions, it is essential to recognize the contributions of other allied health professionals in the field. The ASCP's Salary survey sheds light on the average salaries of medical laboratory technicians, cytotechnologists, and histotechnicians, among other professions. These professionals play critical roles in healthcare by assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. By highlighting their salaries and job duties, we can appreciate the importance of these lesser-known laboratory professions in the healthcare industry.

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