The Field of Health Professions
The term Health Professions represents a broad-spectrum of healthcare-related fields where highly trained clinical professionals engage in the delivery of laboratory discovery, research and patient care. Laboratory Scientists work with physicians and other critical members of the healthcare team, performing laboratory tests that are used for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Using sophisticated instruments, technology, and highly skilled manual techniques, Laboratory Scientists are involved daily—either directly or indirectly—with patient care. All allied healthcare professionals are vital members of the medical team; working together to ensure optimal patient care.
Barry’s Clinical Biology Program offers two different options for students interested in Laboratory Sciences, histotechnology and medical technology.
Histotechnologists prepare samples of human or animal tissue for examination under microscopes in order to detect and diagnose disease. Conventional processes include freezing, embedding, staining and cutting, to prepare tissue samples for examination. Histotechnologists also engage in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to examine DNA, Microarray Technology and Molecular techniques, including in-situ-hybridization, and medical imaging to share test results with other Histotechnologists around the world.
Medical technologists prepare and analyze samples of blood and other body fluids to aid in the detection and diagnosis of disease. They perform tests in all laboratory disciplines including hematology, bacteriology, chemistry, urinalysis, serology, immunohematology, forensic pathology, immunology, and toxicology. Medical technologists are also responsible for quality control, including troubleshooting highly sophisticated instruments to ensure accurate test results.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists can specialize in hospital pathology, hospital pathology, medical research, pharmaceuticals, industrial labs, veterinary labs, marine biology and more. They can also work for government agencies, global health organizations and private industry.
Currently there is high demand for clinical laboratory technologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for skilled and credentialed technologists is expected to increase over the next few years.*
*Source:US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook 2015
Both the Histotechnology and Medical Technology programs are accredited by the NAACLS:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N River Rd, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018
Visit NAACLS Website for more information