Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists: Job Description
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
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What Do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Take On?
The core tasks performed by medical and clinical laboratory technologists include:
- Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
- Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
- Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
- Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
- 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.
- Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
- Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
Key Skills and Knowledge
Successful medical and clinical laboratory technologists draw on a mix of skills and domain knowledge.
Top Skills
The abilities that matter most in this role, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Top Knowledge Areas
Related Job Titles
This career also goes by job titles like:
- Biochemistry Technologist
- Blood Bank Laboratory Technologist
- Blood Bank Medical Technologist
- Blood Bank Technologist
- Cath Lab Technologist (Catheterization Laboratory Technologist)
- Chemistry Technologist
- Clinical Chemist
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)
Job Outlook
There are about 653,254 medical and clinical laboratory technologists working in the United States today. Employment is projected to grow by +3.9% over the projection horizon.
How Much Do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Make?
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median | $77,339 |
| Hourly median | $37.18 |
| 10th percentile | $54,854 |
| 25th percentile | $66,096 |
| 75th percentile | $88,581 |
| 90th percentile | $99,824 |
Pay can vary substantially based on experience, location, and industry.
Software Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Use
- Medical software: eClinicalWorks EHR software (hot technology)
- Medical software: MEDITECH software (hot technology)
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel (hot technology)
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software (hot technology)
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint (hot technology)
- Project management software: Microsoft Project (hot technology)
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word (hot technology)
What the Workplace Is Like
The work environment for medical and clinical laboratory technologists reflects the following characteristics:
- Telephone Conversations
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
Getting Started in This Career
Entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists positions require a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education. This occupation sits in Considerable Preparation Needed (Job Zone 4), reflecting the level of preparation typically expected.
Related Careers
Similar Occupations
- Microbiologists (Supplemental)
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (Supplemental)
- Chemists (Supplemental)
- Biological Technicians (Primary-Long)
- Chemical Technicians (Supplemental)
- Cardiologists (Supplemental)
- Physicians, Pathologists (Supplemental)
- Radiologists (Supplemental)
Degree Programs
Aspiring medical and clinical laboratory technologists commonly pursue programs in:
Health Professions and Related Programs
5 programs across 1 majors
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
1 programs across 1 majors
References
This profile draws on the following authoritative sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for employment and wage data by state and industry.
- BLS Employment Projections for total employment and growth forecasts.
- O*NET (Occupational Information Network) for skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities, work context, technology, and education-zone data.
SOC code: 29-2011.00 (Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists).
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