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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

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What You Need to Know About Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

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

A Day in the Life of a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

  • Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
  • Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.
  • Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
  • Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
  • Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
  • Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Required Skills

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Blood Typer
  • Specimen Accessioner
  • Clinical Technician
  • Blood or Blood Bank Technician
  • Neurology 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. The BLS estimates 12,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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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 & Technology do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians:

  • 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 do I Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician?

Education needed to be a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those who work as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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