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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?

Position Description 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

  • Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
  • 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.
  • Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
  • Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
  • Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

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

  • Histotechnologist
  • Medical Numerical Control Operator
  • Cytogenetic Technologist
  • Laboratory Supervisor
  • Immunohematologist

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. 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.

What Tools do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists may use on a daily basis:

  • 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?

What kind of Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist requirements are there?

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What work experience do I need to become a Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

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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:

References:

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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