If you like science and solving puzzles, Chattahoochee Technical College’s new clinical laboratory technology program may be your path to a health care career.

 Clinical laboratory technicians (CLTs) play a critical role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

 “They don’t work directly with patients, so many people don’t know about this field or that there is a shortage of workers,” said Robin Aiken, clinical laboratory technology program director. “With the median age of CLTs [about] 60, we estimate that we’re retiring 10,000 technicians a year. Yet we’re only educating 5,000 new workers annually. With these skills, you will be able to find a job.”

 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about a 15 percent growth in demand for CLTs through 2020.

 Clinical laboratory technicians examine and analyze body fluids and tissues to look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms. Their work settings include forensics labs to identify DNA, blood banks to match blood for transfusions and medical labs to see how patients are responding to treatment. Most CLTs start working in hospital labs, but after additional training many move into forensic labs, research labs or into management.

 “We offer the two-year degree, which will prepare students to take the American Society of Clinical Pathologists national certification exam required by employers,” Aiken said.

 Chattahoochee Tech admitted its first class of seven students to the two-year associate degree program this fall.

 Tuition is $85 per credit hour for the 89-credit-hour program (including prerequisite classes). Graduates are eligible for a four-year degree bridge program at either Georgia Health Sciences University or Thomas University.

 “Since they can take their didactic work online and complete their clinical hour requirements at the lab where they work, students can earn their bachelor’s degree while working,” Aiken said.

 Technologists who have earned four-year degrees command higher salaries and have more career options. CLT graduates started at $16.50 to $17.60 an hour in metro Atlanta, while graduates of four-year programs begin at $22 to $23 an hour, Aiken said.

 Students in the program utilize their knowledge of chemistry and laboratory procedures to analyze and test bodily fluids using microscopes, other sophisticated instruments and computers.

 “People who love science and problem solving, [who] can develop critical-thinking skills, pay attention to detail, and want to help others enjoy this career,” Aiken said.

 A class of 12 students will start on the Canton campus next August. Prospective students must attend an application session (in February, March or April of 2013), take the HOBET (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test) and schedule an interview.

 They also are required to complete prerequisite courses — including two anatomy and physiology courses, two general chemistry courses, composition and rhetoric, and college algebra — before starting the program.

 “The career is good for high school graduates or career changers,” Aiken said. “In two years you can be working in the growing sector of health care.”

 For information, call 770-528-4545 or go to www.chattahoocheetech.edu.