Laboratory Testing is Essential to Healthcare

ASM 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.

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 judgment about infectious diseases.

Clinical Laboratory Testing Includes:

• Blood culture identification. 
• Antimicrobial susceptibility. 
• Microscopy of tissues, body fluids and positive blood cultures. 
• Cerebrospinal fluid cultures.
• Respiratory pathogen detection. 
• Skin and soft tissue cultures. 
• Methicillin-resistant.Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening. 
• HIV 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:

• 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.
• Specimen processor.
• Specimen accessioner.

Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Mentors

ASM’s 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.

ASM Connect

Network with CPHM professionals, exchange ideas,
collaborate, mentor and learn.

Ready to Apply for a Training Program or Take a Certification Exam?