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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

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What Does it Take to Be a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician?

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

Daily Life Of a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

  • Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
  • Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.
  • Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
  • Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
  • Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
  • Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.

Qualities of a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

Below is a list of the skills most Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians say are important on the job.

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.

Other Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Titles

  • Certified Dialysis Technician
  • Clinical Research Assistant
  • Histologic Technician
  • Laboratory Worker
  • Pathological Technician

Is There Going to be Demand for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians?

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. 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 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?

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

  • 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?

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

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

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Are you already one of the many Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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