A model program for education and training of clinical chemists

Some general guidelines can help in the assessment of clinical chemistry training and training programs. A clinical chemist must be, first of all, a good chemist, but to this must be added other knowledge and skills. A program that begins with a bachelor's degree in chemistry equivalent to the American Chemical Society's standards is proposed for the clinical chemistry technologist. The model provides more flexibility as the education proceeds toward the doctoral and postdoctoral levels and as the opportunities and responsibilities become increasingly more diverse. An essential portion of the training at all levels is experience in a clinical laboratory. It is strongly recommended that this be started early and be continued throughout the program. Certification by an independent agency (National Registry in Clinical Chemistry or American Board of Clinical Chemistry) is strongly recommended as a final step in all plans.