What Do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Do?
Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Job Description Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Life As a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist
- Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.
- Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
- Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- 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.
- Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
Featured schools near , edit
Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Histotechnologist
- Chemistry Technologist
- Pathology Laboratory Technologist
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist
- Differential Specialist
Are There Job Opportunities for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists?
There were about 171,400 jobs for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 12,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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?
Are there Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists education requirements?

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

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |