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Specialties that pay more or open doors

• Transfusion medicine (blood bank)

  Matching blood for surgery and trauma. High stakes, always in demand.

• Histology and cytology

  Preparing and screening tissue for cancer diagnosis. Cytology has its own certification.

• Molecular diagnostics

  DNA and genetic testing. The fastest-growing area of the lab.

• Charge technologist or lab manager

  Running a department. Adds $10,000 to $20,000.

• Public health and research labs

  Outbreak testing, government pay and pension.