Clinical lab technicians have become essential members of any medical team whether they operate out of a major health care institution or a successful private practice. These techs test any blood, cell or other samples a physician or nurse practitioner supplies for whatever malady the patient is going through. http://www.trcb.com/en-Us60Sat, 26 May 2012 05:20:28 ESTCopyright 2012 Natasha Bright, TRCB.com All Right Reservedhttp://www.trcb.com/education/college-university/get-an-online-degree-and-advance-in-a-career-as-a-clinical-lab-technician-27622.htm<p>These days it's impossible to find a medical facility of any size that doesn't employ at least one clinical lab technician. They are responsible for running and testing any samples a doctor provides for infections, viruses, drugs or whatever is needed for a diagnosis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over 300,000 of them in the U.S.</p><p>The Bureau extrapolates there will be a need for another 50,000 before the decade is out, making it a profession who's growth is rated greater than average, and one that particularly benefits from an online degree. <br /><br />While this may sound exceedingly attractive as a career path, coming up with the tuition is a whole other story. These days a four year degree in either medical technology or the life sciences is preferred by recruiters. With the cost of tuition rising faster than the rate of inflation, this can cause many aspiring student to pause. Even with an experienced technician earning over $50,000 a year, a Bachelor's can have a student paying off the loan for years to come.<br /><br />What many don't realize is there are more options out there than a Pell Grant and student loans. These are some avenues you might not have thought of: <br /><br />(1) S-STEM Scholarships - The S-STEM is a national program administered by the National Science Foundation to encourage students to study the science, technology, engineering and mathematic professions. Lab techs are considered one of them. Every year it awards 100 students $100,000 to $600,000 a year, depending on need and academics. <br /><br />(2) Professional Societies - If any groups want to see their ranks swell, it's these. For instance, the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Society has a web page containing about 25 programs to assist students and post-grads obtain funding. They detail who handles each program and where you can go to find out more information. This is an excellent resource and one that should be reviewed carefully. <br /><br />(3) Work Study/Internship Programs - This is how many techs get their start in the profession, and includes a number of universities and such prestigious operations as the Mayo Clinic. This provides great hands-on experience and you could end up being paid to learn. Just one proviso, there are many things you are absolutely not allowed to do until you have at least an Associates degree. Again, go to the Society for more information.<br /><br />(4) Corporate Scholarships - A number of health and technological corporations are a source of financial aid. Among them are Tylenol, who gives out $250,000 to promising medical professionals and the Siemens Corporation, who donate over $7 million in STEM-related grants. Do a little homework and you'll find many more.</p>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:02:45 ESThttp://www.trcb.com/education/college-university/get-an-online-degree-and-advance-in-a-career-as-a-clinical-lab-technician-27622.htmTRCB.comEducation / College University