Clinical Laboratory Managers play a key role in managing both administrative and technical operating procedures in a medical laboratory. Their responsibilities include supervising various tests, results, quality control, and pricing for the laboratory, as well as scheduling procedures and trials, making reports to various entities within the organization, ordering supplies and managing staff, primarily medical technicians. In addition, they oversee laboratory inventory, establish preventative maintenance schedule for equipments and oversee computerized records system.
Clinical Laboratory Managers work in variety of environments such as private and government labs, hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, research firms, educational institutions etc. They may have to work in the night shifts and even during weekend.
Educational Requirements
To become a Clinical Laboratory Manager, the aspiring candidates need to earn a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or any related discipline. The students can also pursue master’s degree in a field like medical technology, microbiology or public health administration for better job prospects in this profession.
Common coursework includes human anatomy, biochemistry, epidemiology, biostatistics, mathematics, public health and health care management.
Licensure and Certification
Since Clinical Laboratory Managers are required to be licensed in most of the states in USA, the aspiring candidates have to earn a license by passing the required examination. These professionals also need to obtain exam-based certification from professional organizations, like the Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA), American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) etc.
Skill Set
Apart from clinical knowledge, Clinical Laboratory Managers possess various traits such as high level of attention to detail, ability to maintain a proactive approach to work activities, motivating abilities, good work ethics, excellent organizational and leadership skills, ability to work under pressure, effective written and verbal communication skills, ability to establish and maintain cordial relationship with staff members, high level of team spirit, competent in technology including computer programs and laboratory equipments to name a few.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Clinical Laboratory Manager remains excellent in USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 14% between 2012 and 2022. The average annual salary of a Clinical Laboratory Manager was $57, 580 in 2012.