Medical Laboratory Technician Schools and Career Information

Medical Lab Technicians - Career Information

Medical lab technicians perform laboratory tests that are utilized to help detect, diagnose and treat diseases. Medical lab technicians perform basic laboratory procedures such as collecting and testing blood and urine and keeping records of the tests. They typically work under the supervision of physicians, laboratory managers and laboratory technologists. In addition, they receive training to work with infectious specimens.

Laboratory technologists typically have more education and training than lab technicians. Technologists are usually required to have a bachelor's degree. Technologists perform more complicated procedures and tests than technicians.

Lab technicians usually work in hospitals, public health organizations, research and development departments of pharmaceutical companies, clinics and research institutes. Some lab technicians specialize in a specific field. For example, histotechnicians cut and stain tissue specimens for microscopic evaluation by pathologists. Some lab technicians also specialize in cytotechnology, virology, blood banking, immunology and microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Test drug levels in patient's blood to determine if the patient is responding to treatments
• Utilize laboratory equipment to look for bacteria, parasites and other types of microorganisms
• Analyze cells stained with dye to find abnormalities
• Collect samples of blood and urine
• Perform laboratory tests
• Label samples
• Examine and record test data to create reports that include charts, graphs and a description
• Perform chemical analysis of body fluids
• Sterilize instruments
• Keep records of tests
• Clean medical laboratory equipment
• Determine a blood donor's blood type
• Prepare, stain and label slides
• Operate automated analyzers

Job Characteristics

They typically wear protective goggles, masks and gloves. Laboratory settings are typically clean, however sometimes fumes are produced by solutions, specimens and reagents.

Medical lab technicians should be able to perform well under pressure, pay close attention to details and have good analytical judgement. Good manual dexterity and normal color vision are also important. In addition, being proficient with computers is beneficial.

Laboratory workers in large hospitals typically work the day, evening or night shift and sometimes working on weekends and holidays is required. Medical laboratory technicians employed in small facilities might have rotating work shifts. In some settings laboratory technicians may be called at night or during the weekends in case of an emergency.

Employment Outlook

The median annual earnings in 2006 for medical and clinical laboratory technicians was $32,840. In addition, in 2006, there were approximately 151,000 medical and clinical laboratory jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, estimates a 14% growth rate in the employment of clinical laboratory workers from 2006 to 2016, which is faster than average for all other occupations.

The majority of the increase in demand for clinical laboratory workers is due to an increase in the population and the development of new types of tests. Employment is projected to grow the fastest for clinical laboratory jobs in medical and diagnostic laboratories and physician offices. However, hospitals are projected to be the major employers. It's projected that the number of job openings for laboratory workers will exceed the number of workers available. In addition, medical lab technicians have opportunities to advance into the position of technologists after acquiring more education and experience.

Medical Lab Technician Schools, Certification, and Licensing

Typically medical laboratory technicians are required to have a associate degree or a certificate. Community colleges offer associate degrees in the field. Vocational schools, the Armed Forces and some hospitals offer certificates. The programs are usually one or two year education curriculums. The curriculums typically include training in microbiology, immunology, laboratory mathematics, chemistry and microscopy.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits a large number of programs for medical lab technicians. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools provide accreditation for distinct fields for clinical laboratory workers.

In some states laboratory workers are required to be licensed or registered. Many employers prefer to hire laboratory personnel that have been certified by a recognized professional association. Associations providing accreditation include the National Accrediting Agency for Laboratory Personnel, Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. The agencies have different certification requirements.

Resources

• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• American Association of Bioanalysts, Board of Registry
• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel
• American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
• Clinical Laboratory Management Association

Major Employers

The major employers are hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, colleges and universities, doctor's offices and research institutes.

Schools for Medical Lab Technicians are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Medical Lab Technicians by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Medical Lab Technicians, along with salary data by industry.

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