NorDx

Summary

Stephanie Lindvall, a former science teacher turned medical laboratory technician, introduces careers in laboratory science, particularly at Nordex Laboratories in Maine. She highlights the various roles within the lab, including phlebotomists, lab assistants, and medical laboratory technicians, and the demand for professionals in these fields. Stephanie emphasizes the growing need for medical laboratory scientists, with training opportunities at institutions like the University of Maine and University of Vermont. The session also touches on laboratory tests, their significance in diagnosing conditions, and the possibility of job shadowing or internships for those interested in the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stephanie Lindvall, a former science teacher, now works at Nordex Laboratories in Maine, focusing on laboratory science careers.
• 😀 Nordex Laboratories handles over 4 million tests annually, covering a wide range of medical specimens and diagnostic tests.
• 😀 The laboratory employs advanced instrumentation, including robots, to process patient specimens and produce results efficiently.
• 😀 Medical laboratory science is in high demand, with career opportunities in hospitals, laboratories, and diagnostic centers across the United States.
• 😀 The role of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) involves testing patient specimens and providing results that help diagnose diseases.
• 😀 The career path in laboratory sciences can include roles like phlebotomists, laboratory assistants, and laboratory technologists.
• 😀 A phlebotomist is often an entry-level role, with a high school diploma required and opportunities to transition to other healthcare roles like nursing.
• 😀 Students interested in becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) need a two-year degree, while Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) require a four-year degree.
• 😀 Nordex offers paid training for phlebotomy students, and provides hands-on experience through practicum opportunities in its laboratories.
• 😀 The State of Maine offers funding for medical laboratory science education, and there is a significant effort to meet the growing demand for laboratory professionals.
• 😀 There is an increasing need for medical laboratory scientists to meet the nation's healthcare demands, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q & A

What is Stephanie Lindvall's professional background?

Stephanie Lindvall began her career as a middle and high school science teacher, before transitioning into the medical field as a medical laboratory technician. Her focus is on understanding human disease and pathology.

What is Nordex Laboratories and what services does it offer?

Nordex Laboratories is a not-for-profit, nationally recognized clinical laboratory based in Scarborough, Maine. It provides laboratory services to over 800 clients, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other laboratories, performing about 4 million tests annually.

What types of tests are conducted at Nordex Laboratories?

Nordex conducts a wide variety of tests, including throat swabs, blood chemistry analysis, molecular biology testing, histology, and microbiological cultures. These tests help diagnose a range of conditions, from infections to cancer.

How does the process of medical testing work in the laboratory?

After a doctor orders a test, a specimen is taken from the patient and sent to the laboratory. The specimen is processed in the appropriate department (e.g., microbiology, chemistry), where tests are run using advanced machinery. Results are then sent to the doctor for interpretation.

What is the role of a phlebotomist in the laboratory setting?

A phlebotomist is responsible for collecting specimens, such as blood samples, from patients. This role is an important entry point into the laboratory field, and it provides valuable skills that can transfer to other healthcare professions.

What career paths are available within the laboratory field?

In the laboratory field, there are several career paths, including phlebotomist, laboratory assistant, medical laboratory technician (2-year degree), and medical laboratory scientist (4-year degree). These roles involve various levels of involvement in testing, specimen analysis, and lab management.

What education and certifications are required to work in the laboratory field?

To work as a phlebotomist, a high school diploma is required, and Nordex offers a two-week phlebotomy training program. Medical laboratory technicians require a 2-year degree, while medical laboratory scientists need a 4-year degree and certification. Certification is mandatory for laboratory technicians and scientists in Maine.

How does Nordex support students pursuing laboratory science careers?

Nordex offers practicum opportunities for students in laboratory science programs, working with schools like the University of Maine and the University of Vermont. These students gain hands-on experience in laboratory settings, which is part of their required training.

Is there a high demand for laboratory science professionals?

Yes, there is a significant demand for medical laboratory professionals across the United States, including in Maine. This demand is expected to continue due to the essential role laboratory scientists play in the healthcare system.

How can someone learn more about the laboratory science field and opportunities at Nordex?

Interested individuals can reach out to Stephanie Lindvall for more information, including job shadowing opportunities, lab tours, and career advice. Nordex also participates in career fairs and offers internships and practicum placements for students.