Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Find Schools Near

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

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Example 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.
  • Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
  • Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
  • Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
  • Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
  • Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.

Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Required Skills

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

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

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.

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

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Chief Medical Technologist
  • Laboratory Specialist (Lab Specialist)
  • Histologist Technologist
  • Microbiologist
  • Clinical Research Assistant

Are There Job Opportunities for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 171,400 jobs in the United States for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,900 job openings in this field each year.

undefined

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.

What Tools & Technology do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Use?

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
  • Medical software
  • Microscopic image capturing software
  • Quality control software
  • Commercial plate reader software
  • Hematology laboratory workflow management software
  • Medical digital imaging software

How to Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

What education or degrees do I need to become a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

undefined

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

undefined

Similar Careers

Career changers with experience as a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.