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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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All About Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Description Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Life As a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

  • Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
  • Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
  • Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
  • Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
  • Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
  • Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.

What Every Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Should Know

These are the skills Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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

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.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Biochemistry Technologist
  • Cytogenetic Technologist
  • Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist
  • Laboratory Specialist (Lab Specialist)
  • Microbiology Technologist

Job Demand for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

In the United States, there were 171,400 jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19,800 new jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist 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 Technologist are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Tools & Technologies Used by Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

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

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Project
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • MEDITECH software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Microscopic image capturing software
  • Quality control software
  • Medical software
  • Medical digital imaging software
  • Hematology laboratory workflow management software
  • Commercial plate reader software

Becoming a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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

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

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You May Also Be Interested In…

Those who work as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist 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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