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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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All About Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

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

What Do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
  • Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
  • Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
  • 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.
  • Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.

Skills Needed to be a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist

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

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.

  • Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech)
  • Histologist Technologist
  • Clinical Researcher
  • Biochemistry Technologist
  • Chemistry Technologist

Job Outlook 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
  • Medical software
  • Microscopic image capturing software
  • Quality control software
  • Commercial plate reader software
  • Hematology laboratory workflow management software
  • Medical digital imaging 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 Long Does it Take to Become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

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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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