Ask & Answer: India's Largest Education Community

Hi Shreya,
Being a doctor is not the only option to make a career in medicine, as popularly believed. There are various other options and career opportunities provided by this sector. One such path is in the area of Medical Laboratory Technology.
To help diagnose an illness, doctors need investigations through tests. Basis the results of these tests, they treat and give suggestions for prevention. This is where Medical Laboratory Technology or Clinical laboratory science comes in.
Working in a medical laboratory demands high level of responsibility, skill and given the rate at which diseases are increasing, a lot of hard work. Therefore, it is a very challenging and dynamic career field where you can make a difference in people's lives.
There are two profiles you could look at:
Technicians
Technologists
Medical technologists work in areas of the laboratory like Clinical Chemistry (chemical analysis of body fluids), Blood banking, Immunology (study of immune system), Hematology (blood related), and Microbiology (study of bacteria and other disease organisms). Other areas include cytotechnology (study of human tissue), phlebotomy, urinalysis, coagulation, parasitology and serology. Phlebotomists draw and test blood where as Blood bank technologists determine correct blood types for transfusions. Histology technicians cut and stain tissue samples.
On the other hand, medical lab technicians work under technologists or supervisors and do routine laboratory testing manually. Technicians prepare specimens and operate machines that automatically analyze samples. They also prepare standard solutions which involve measuring and mixing the correct amount of various chemicals for use in the lab.
Career prospects:
Career as a Medical laboratory technician/technologist offer you the opportunity to have a significant impact on patient care, without actually interacting with patients.
With required skill you can find yourself employed in a hospital, minor emergency centers, private laboratory, blood donor centers, doctor's office or clinics. You can aim to become a technologist in due time and work experience.
Medical lab technicians can also find jobs in research facilities, crime laboratories, universities, pharmaceutical companies and military.
With their specialized skills, lab technologists are always in demand in hospitals, specialty hospitals, laboratories etc.
Hope it helps. Click thumbs up or mark it as best if you found this useful

Sale and submission of PGDM forms has been extended to 17th April 2015. For your information do understand the GDPI process for your clarity. For this year's admission 20 percent weightage will be given to the test score. 1. Test score 2. Group Discussion (GD) 3. Two Rounds of personal interview (PI): a) Technical Interview: These interviews test your basic knowledge and look into your overall understanding. b) Competency based In Interview: Competency or behavioral interviews are based on the idea that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. The interviewer will want specific examples of when and how you demonstrated particular behaviors. 4. Past academic records 5. Work experience, if any Based on weighted average of the above parameters, the merit listing is done.

Hi Nidhi,
Speech pathology is the study and treatment of communication, language and speech disorders. Speech pathology programs teach students the neurological, biological and physical causes and effects of speech disorders.
A bachelor's program in speech pathology offers coursework in speech disorders, audiology, phonology and speech anatomy. Students learn to diagnose, treat and prevent speech and communication disorders through speech therapy strategies. Most programs offer practical experience through internships and field experiences.
A 4-year bachelor's program in speech pathology also prepares students for graduate work at the master's degree level. A master's degree is required for licensure in speech pathology.
Eligibility:-
To enroll in a speech pathology bachelor's degree program, prospective students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically, applicants must submit official transcripts and SAT or ACT test scores for consideration.
Job Opportunities:
There are ample opportunities of getting a good job for a speech - language pathologist or an audiologist. They can look for it in educational services, including pre-schools, elementary and secondary schools, and colleges and universities. Others can be absorbed in different hospitals; offices of other health practitioners, including speech-language pathologists; nursing care facilities; home healthcare services; individual and family services; outpatient care centers; child day care services; or other such facilities. They can also work with Hearing Aids manufacturing companies. They are highly paid.
Employment of speech-language pathologists and audiologists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through coming years.
Professionals can find job:
• Hospitals
• Public and private schools
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Nursing care facilities
• Community clinics
• Colleges and Universities
• Private practice offices
• State and local health departments
• Home health agencies (home care)
• Long-term care facilities
• Adult day care centers
• Centers for persons with developmental disabilities
• Research laboratories such as Forensic laboratory.
Hope it helps. Please feel free to revert. Click on the thumbs up or mark it as the best, if you found this useful.
Wish You Luck!