Clinical Laboratory Managers

What Clinical Laboratory Managers Do

Clinical laboratory managers oversee the work that happens inside a medical testing laboratory. They manage all operations in the lab, which means it’s up to them to manage all administrative and management duties where employees are involved. They are responsible for:

• Performing, designing and overseeing test procedures
• Developing and implementing procedures to ensure safety, security, quality and accuracy of results
• Analyzing requests for tests and equipment
• Assisting with budgets and schedules as needed

Career Growth

While the Bureau of Labor and Statistics does not report specifically on the role of clinical laboratory managers, it does give data on clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. The job outlook in this area is positive; the field is expected to grow 22 percent by 2022. This is higher than the average for all other occupations.

Salary Potential

Salaries vary based on experience, location and other factors. However, the median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists is $57,580.

Work Environment

Clinical laboratory managers work in private and government labs, and in hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics. They typically work full-time schedules and many times are employed by facilities that are open 24 hours a day. This means that shift work is common, and night and weekend work may be required.

It’s very common for employees of medical labs to receive training in how to deal with infectious or hazardous materials. Those in this role are typically required to wear protective gear to minimize injuries and infection; examples might include gloves, goggles, masks and gowns.

From a physical labor standpoint, clinical laboratory managers and their employees must be on their feet for long periods of time. Sometimes it is required that they lift or turn patients to collect samples.

Education Required

A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience is required to be considered for clinical laboratory manager positions. Common coursework includes epidemiology, health services management, health care policies and ethics, research, environmental health and safety, and human resource management.

Students with an interest in both medical technology and management might do well to pursue careers as clinical laboratory managers. Those who are able to succeed as part of a team, who have solid work ethic, and who have exemplary written and verbal communication skills will have an advantage in pursuing positions in this area.

Interested students should consider Touro University Worldwide’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree. The program is offered fully online and is designed for working adults. There is a health care administration concentration.