Find Trade Colleges

What You Need to Know About Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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

Life As a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist: What Do They Do?

Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.
Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.

Featured schools near , edit

Qualities of a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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.

Types of Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist Jobs

Histologist Technologist
Histotechnologist
Medical Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Biochemistry Technologist
Clinical Research Associate

Is There Going to be Demand 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,900 job openings in this field each year.

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

How to Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Education needed to be a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Are you already one of the many Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

Nurse Anesthetists

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.