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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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

Example of Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

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

  • Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
  • Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
  • Conduct medical research under direction of microbiologist or biochemist.
  • Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
  • Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
  • Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.

What Every Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Should Know

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

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Other Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Titles

  • Hematology Technologist
  • Blood Bank Laboratory Technologist
  • Cytotechnologist
  • Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech)
  • Medical Technologist Teaching Supervisor

Job Demand for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

In the United States, there were 171,400 jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19,800 new jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,900 positions for Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Tools & Technologies Used by Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Project
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Database software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • MEDITECH software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Microscopic image capturing software
  • Quality control software
  • Medical software
  • Medical digital imaging software
  • Hematology laboratory workflow management software
  • Commercial plate reader software

How do I Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

Individuals working as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist have obtained the following education levels:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Similar Careers

Those who work as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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