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er diagram for medical laboratory management system
Introduction
Laboratory services are an essential component of health care delivery and can be utilised effectively at every level of health care delivery. In the African region, many commonly presenting diseases may be diagnosed using basic, essential laboratory tests. Access to reliable laboratory diagnostic services is among the major challenges contributing to lack of appropriate and timely patient care. In Africa, many health facility managers sideline the laboratory, and diagnostic services are not recognised as an integral part of an effective, quality health care system.
Medical laboratories in Africa are managed by laboratory technical staff, many of whom have not received adequate training in all aspects of laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS). Currently, many medical laboratories are preparing for national or international accreditation, and in some countries this is becoming a requirement for registration, making the training of laboratory supervisors and managers of paramount importance. The Medical Laboratory Practices and Management Course is designed to prepare laboratory managers to ensure laboratories meet accepted standards in all aspects of laboratory operation and provide quality and reliable diagnostic services to communities.
Goal:
The Medical Laboratory Practices and Management Course contributes to improved health through competency-based training of medical laboratory supervisors.
Objectives:
By the end of the course, graduates of the Laboratory Practices and Management Course should be able to:
Discuss principles of quality management systems
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in effective laboratory documentation and personnel management
Employ knowledge and skills in the management of laboratory resources
Demonstrate quality measures employed in the diagnostic cycle
Organize the laboratory to enhance safety and productivity
Develop systems for continuous quality improvement
Demonstrate competency in the evaluation of quality management system and customer satisfaction
Employ laboratory data in problem solving and decision making
A career in medical laboratory management is a step up for medical lab technologists and technicians who devote the time to education and training. Medical laboratory managers oversee all lab operations, manage lab staff and establish standard lab analysis and recording methods in hospitals, research centers and other medical settings. In their laboratories, medical laboratory managers supervise the processing, analysis and testing of blood and tissue samples to identify abnormalities and assist doctors in making informed decisions about diagnoses and treatments.
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Manager
Required Education
Medical laboratory managers often start as medical laboratory technicians or technologists. Technicians begin with an associate degree, while technologists usually enter the field with a bachelor's degree in medical technology accredited by a professional organization, like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Technologists then take a certification exam and some pursue professional licensure, depending on state regulations.
These steps, plus professional experience in a general medical or surgical hospital, are good preparation for earning a master's degree or a Ph.D. in medical technology or in one of the life sciences. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), federal regulations require that directors and managers of complex medical laboratories hold a graduate degree or an undergraduate degree with a specified amount of on-the-job experience.
Skills Required
Medical laboratory managers must possess excellent organizational and leadership skills; they're responsible for keeping track of all laboratory samples that come in and out of their labs, including analysis, documentation, and distribution of results. The most successful medical laboratory managers are adept with technology, including computer programs and laboratory equipment, and they learn new technologies quickly.
Because labs are held accountable for providing accurate results, says the American Medical Association (AMA), medical laboratory technologists must be thoroughly knowledgeable in pathology, immunology and hematology; medical laboratory managers are responsible for ensuring that their laboratory personnel meets these requirements and must be capable of establishing quality assurance standards to be followed by all staff.
Career Outlook
The BLS estimates that medical lab technologist jobs may grow 14% for 2012-2022. The BLS reported in 2012 that these workers made median annual wages of $57,580. Advancing from technologist to medical laboratory manager increases responsibility, opportunities for career growth and earning potential. The education and training required to reach this level is demanding but not without reward, especially for those who secure government employment or positions in large hospitals and medical centers.
Alternate Career Options
Medical and Health Services Manager
These managers can be responsible for an entire facility or a certain department or clinical area. They oversee a variety of health and medical services in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities. A bachelor's degree in health administration is the minimum requirement for this career. In May 2012, the BLS reported their annual median earnings as $88,580 and predicted much faster than average growth in available positions, at 23% through 2022.
Social and Community Service Manager
Increased demand for these managers during the 2012-2022 decade should cause faster than average employment growth of 21%, according to the BLS. Typically these managers earn bachelor's degrees in urban studies, social work or public administration. They oversee community organizations or introduce new social service programs to their communities. As of 2012, the BLS reported $59,970 annual median earnings for social and community service managers.
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