Medical Laboratory Technicians

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Medical laboratory technicians and technologists have very similar jobs. Generally, medical laboratory technicians do most of the routine laboratory testing and are often supervised by medical laboratory technologists.

Physicians order laboratory tests to help them figure out what is wrong with patients. Lab technicians run tests using samples of body fluids, cells, or tissues. They study blood samples to count the number of cells and determine the blood type.

Technicians may prepare specimens and use machines that automatically analyze samples. They may follow detailed instructions to do tests by hand. They also prepare standard solutions for use in the lab. This involves measuring and mixing the correct amount of various chemicals.

They examine the samples to see if they are abnormal or diseased. They look for organisms, such as bacteria, that would indicate an infection. They often prepare vaccines and serums and test them to make sure they are active and not sterile. For other tests, technicians grow cell cultures.

After tests are run, technicians record, evaluate, and send results to physicians or medical researchers. They also talk to pathologists if abnormal cells are found.

In addition to running tests, technicians set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Biologists
• Chemists
• Dental Laboratory Technicians
• Forensic Science Technicians
• Medical Assistants
• Medical Equipment Preparers
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Medical Sonographers
• Phlebotomists
• Science Technicians
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Military careers

• Medical Laboratory Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to medical laboratory technicians.

• Test samples of biological materials, such as body fluids, tissues, and cells. Look for abnormalities or disease organisms.
• Evaluate test results.
• Select and prepare specimens and media for cell culture.
• Grow cell cultures using appropriate media and environmental conditions.
• Prepare slides for examination.
• Communicate with physicians or supervisors regarding test results.
• May supervise other technicians and laboratory assistants.
• May conduct research under the supervision of medical researchers.
• Perform tests to determine blood type for blood transfusions or for blood counts.
• Keep accurate records of medical tests. Enter in computers.
• Set up, adjust, clean, and maintain lab equipment.
• Cut and stain tissue specimens.
• Operate automatic analyzers. Follow strict procedures when running tests manually.
• Prepare vaccines and serums. Test viruses to make sure they aren't sterile.
• Prepare agents and solutions by measuring and mixing chemicals.

Common work activities

Medical laboratory technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Process information
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Analyze data or information
• Teach others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Control machines and processes
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Coach others
• Assist and care for others
• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, medical laboratory technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They talk to physicians, patients, and coworkers throughout the day.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They use e-mail and letters and memos, but far less often.
• Often deal with people who are unpleasant or discourteous due to their injuries or illness.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Regularly work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Often wear protective clothing, such as gloves and masks.
• Are often exposed to diseases and infections.
• Sometimes wear uniforms, such as lab coats.
• Are often exposed to hazardous conditions and contaminants.
• Work near others, usually a few feet apart.
• Are occasionally exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could cause patients to be misdiagnosed.
• Must, at times, let the pace of work be dictated by the speed of equipment.
• Make decisions that affect patients and coworkers on a weekly basis. They make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor first.
• Often repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work nights, weekends, or holidays. Hospitals need tests run at all hours of the day.

Physical demands

Medical laboratory technicians frequently:

• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for medical laboratory technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for medical laboratory technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Skills and abilities

Medical laboratory technicians need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Medical Laboratory Assisting
• Medical Laboratory Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Biotechnology Laboratory Technology
• Cytotechnology
• Forensic Science
• Phlebotomy
• Sterile Processing Technology

Training

To work as a medical laboratory technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have an associate degree.

Education after high school

Medical laboratory technicians usually have an associate degree. Two-year colleges and hospitals offer training programs. In these programs, you learn to perform routine medical testing procedures. You may also learn to draw blood from patients.

On-the-job training

Many employers provide some hands-on training when you are first hired. This usually lasts up to six months.

A few medical laboratory technicians learn their skills on the job. However, you usually need an associate degree to get certified.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be medical laboratory technicians. Training lasts 12 to 36 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Medical laboratory technicians need a strong background in the laboratory sciences. Be sure to take as many Chemistry and Biology courses as you can.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Fundamentals
• Medical Lab Technology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require medical laboratory technicians to have at least an associate degree. Some employers accept completed certificate training from hospitals, vocational schools, or the military.

Employers look for applicants who can pay attention to detail and follow procedures.

Some employers will only hire certified medical laboratory technicians. The national certification exam is given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP). The American Medical Technologists (AMT) also offers an exam. These organizations are listed in the Other Resources section of this description.

#Above info still correct, Checked info, still correct 3/19/13 & 3/3/15, 4/9/19 cj.

Tips

Laboratory workers who can work with others in a team environment will be the most successful. A strong background in math, science communication, and computer science is important.

Costs to workers

Medical laboratory technicians who become certified generally pay an application and exam fee. Costs vary. Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience, education, and responsibility also affect wages.

Medical laboratory technicians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About one-third of medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals.

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Medical laboratories
• Doctors' offices and clinics

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. The number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that are performed each year is growing rapidly. However, technological advances will limit job growth. Some tests can be run by machines or less-skilled workers.

In addition to the jobs created by growth, other job openings will occur as current workers retire or leave this occupation.

Other resources

American Association for Clinical Chemistry 
900 Seventh Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20001
800.892.1400
202.857.0717

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science 
1861 International Drive, Suite 200
McLean, VA 22102
571.748.3770

American Society for Clinical Pathology 
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
800.267.2727
312.541.4999

American Society for Cytotechnology 
1500 Sunday Dr
Suite 102
Raleigh, NC 27607

American Society of Cytopathology 

Association for Molecular Pathology 
6120 Executive Blvd., Suite 700
Rockville, MD 20852

Bio-Link 

Explore Health Careers: Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Technician 

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences 

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (29-2012.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Laboratory Assistant, Blood and Plasma (078.687-010) 
• Laboratory Technician, Pharmaceutical (559.361-010) 
• Medical-laboratory Technician (078.381-014) 
• Specimen Processor (078.367-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Medical Technician

Holland occupational clusters

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Skilled