Clinical Lab Assistant (CLA)
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Clinical lab assistants perform the basic functions of laboratory work under the supervision of other laboratory professionals. Tasks include processing specimens, simple testing, reporting results, and performing data entry in a laboratory setting. Work settings include doctor’s offices, hospitals, research facilities, and industrial laboratories.
Career Opportunities
Clinical lab assistant is an entry-level position that typically does not require a credential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2008-2009) predicts excellent job opportunities as openings for clinical lab assistants are projected to grow 14% between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.
Graduates of this Bellevue College certificate program should have a hiring advantage over applicants who have no training in laboratory work. Job seekers will also need English language skills.
The lab assistant job often serves as a stepping stone for further advancement in the healthcare field, and lab assistants who continue their education can move up in the laboratory or into other healthcare positions. Because of this upward mobility within the field, there are frequent openings for new entry-level applicants.
Nationally, pay generally ranges from $11.29 to $25.73 per hour with an average of $17.86, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages survey (May 2008). Pay varies by experience, employer, and locality.
For currently available jobs and pay information in Washington, visit www.washingtonhealthcarecareers.com.
Prerequisites
- Acceptance to Bellevue College as a credit student
- Basic computer skills and access to a computer with Internet access
- English language skills
Advising
Either e-mail an advisor at aminks@bellevuecollege.edu or call the general advising line at 425-564-3144. Be sure to give your name and phone number. An advisor will call you within 2-3 days (depending on call volume).
Certificate of Completion
This certificate has a total of 19 credits and can be completed in two quarters. It prepares participants for entry-level positions in clinical laboratory settings.
