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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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Life As a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Job Description: Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Responsibilities

  • Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
  • Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
  • Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
  • 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.
  • Conduct medical research under direction of microbiologist or biochemist.
  • Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Skills

When polled, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

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.

Types of Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Jobs

  • Laboratory Supervisor
  • Blood Bank Technologist
  • Research Assistant
  • Chemistry Technologist
  • Laboratory Technologist (Lab Tech)

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Outlook

There were about 171,400 jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,900 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

What Tools & Technology do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Use?

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

  • 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

How to Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

What education or degrees do I need to become 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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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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