Career Profile

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

What they do:

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

Also Called:

Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Technician (Clinical Lab Technician), Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Lab Technician), Medical Technician, Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Technician (Clinical Lab Technician), Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Lab Technician), Medical Technician

Typical Tasks

Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.

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.

Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.

Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.

Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic

Practical, Physical Work

Investigative

Studying, Research based work

Conventional

Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail

Dependability

Integrity

Independence

Cooperation

Analytical Thinking

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening

Reading Comprehension

Critical Thinking

Speaking

Science

Operations Monitoring

Expected Knowledge

Biology

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.

Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.

Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

Bachelor's degree 46%
Associate's degree 31%
Post-baccalaureate certificate 10%
Master's degree 7%
High school diploma 4%
Other 2%

Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.