Our Work
We support a global network of clinical and public health microbiology professionals who are dedicated to saving patient lives through the detection and management of infectious diseases. From early to late career, we provide resources and mentorship to help you excel in the field. Take our quiz to find out if a career in CPHM is right for you. Gain access to professional development resources and start networking with the CPHM community today.
Laboratory Testing is Essential to Healthcare
海角直播 is dedicated to advancing and promoting a vast community of medical and public health microbiologists because we know that the work being conducted in medical microbiology has the power to save lives.
CPHM professionals are trained to conduct a diverse array of moderate- to high-complexity laboratory tests to diagnose and combat infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoa, which account for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Careers within CPHM offer an opportunity to participate in clinical decision-making by providing critical information to healthcare teams.
Equipping CPHM Professionals to Excel in Their Careers
In partnership with the Clinical and Public Health Committee and Clinical Microbiology Mentoring Subcommittee, we aim to increase awareness about these life-saving professions by creating content that helps professionals of all career stages stay on top of this rapidly changing field.
We publish professional development and continuing education (CE) resources, as well as guidelines and verification protocols to equip you to excel in your chosen career. We also develop career-building programs to ensure the next generation of scientists will contribute to the field for years to come.
海角直播's team of CPHM mentors created a presentation about clinical and public health microbiology as career options. Download below to learn about CPHM career pathways or use the slide deck to present at a local university or 海角直播 branch! The flyer can be used as a handout for your presentation.
A presentation recording of this CPHM Careers PowerPoint is also available for sharing.
Is a Career in Clinical or Public Health Microbiology Right for You?
If you are an early-career microbiologist who is interested in CPHM or would like to know more about what CPHM professions entail—available positions, roles and responsibilities, educational requirements, potential salary and more—this page is full of open access resources. Start by taking our quiz to find out if a career in CPHM is right for you!
Clinical Microbiology
Medical providers rely heavily on the test results and analyses of medical microbiologists to make sound clinical judgments about infectious diseases.
Clinical Laboratory Testing Includes, but Is Not Limited to:
- Blood culture identification.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility.
- Tissues, body fluids and positive blood cultures.
- Cerebrospinal fluid cultures.
- Respiratory pathogen detection.
- Skin and soft tissue cultures.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening.
- Emerging pathogen detection.
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing.
- Mycobacteriology testing.
- Mycology testing.
- Parasite testing.
Public Health Microbiology
Public health microbiology laboratories are scattered throughout the country and are the backbone of the nation’s response to foodborne outbreaks, chemical spills, natural disasters, novel strain typing and other health-related emergencies.
Public Health Laboratory Testing Includes, but Is Not Limited to:
- Newborn screening.
- Foodborne outbreak investigation.
- Identification of novel strains.
- Bioterrorism agent testing.
- Surveillance.
- Tuberculosis testing.
- Rabies testing.
Tour a Fully-Automated Clinical Microbiology Lab
Tour the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory
How to Get Started
Kickstart your career by working part-time or shadowing (in a non-licensed capacity) in a hospital, reference lab (clinical microbiology) or public health lab. This will help you gain real-world experience and may even boost your chances of getting into the program of your choice!
When searching for a place to work or shadow, try the following keywords:
- Clinical laboratory assistant.
- Clinical laboratory technician.
- Specimen processor.
- Specimen accessioner.
Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Mentors
海角直播鈥檚 subcommittee of clinical microbiology mentors is available to provide career and networking advice to those looking to enter a career or advance in clinical and public health microbiology.
海角直播 Connect
Network with CPHM professionals, exchange ideas,
collaborate, mentor and learn.
Ready to Apply for a Training Program or Take a Certification Exam?
American Board of Medical Microbiology Certification
The ABMM exam certifies doctoral-level microbiologists to direct clinical and public health microbiology laboratories.
CPEP Fellowship
CPEP is a 2 or 3-year postdoctoral fellowship that prepares scientists and physicians for certifications in ABMM and medical laboratory immunology.