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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

What You Need to Know About Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

Example of Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

A Day in the Life of a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

  • Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
  • Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
  • Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
  • Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
  • Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
  • Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.

Skills Needed to be a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Types of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

  • Tissue Technician
  • Medical Technician
  • Histology Technician
  • Specimen Accessioner
  • Catheterization Laboratory Technician

What Kind of Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 164,200 jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 12,900 positions for Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician per 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 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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References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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