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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

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What Do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician Do?

Job Description: Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Responsibilities

  • Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
  • Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
  • Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
  • Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.
  • Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
  • Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.

Qualities of a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

Below is a list of the skills most Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians say are important on the job.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Other Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Titles

  • Specimen Processor
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist
  • Clinical Laboratory Technician (Clinical Lab Technician)
  • Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant)
  • Histopathology Technician

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 164,200 jobs in the United States for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,000 new jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,900 positions for Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • SAP
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • IBM Notes
  • Google Docs
  • FileMaker Pro
  • MEDITECH software
  • Minitab
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Billing software
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Medical software
  • Microscopic image capturing software

How to Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

What education is needed to be a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician?

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References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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