What is a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician?
Job Description & Duties Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
List of Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Duties
- Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
- Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
- Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.
- Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.
- Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
- Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician?
When polled, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Related Job Titles
- Laboratory Worker
- Blood or Blood Bank Technician
- Pharmaceutical Laboratory Technician
- Cytogenetic Technician
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
Is There Job 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. The BLS estimates 12,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Tools & Technologies Used by Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians:
- 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
Becoming a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technician
Learn what Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician education requirements there are.

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

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those who work as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- Biological Technicians
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Cytogenetic Technologists
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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