BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Medical laboratory technicians help find and diagnose diseases. Medical laboratory technicians perform general lab tests under the direct supervision of a medical technologist or doctor.

Work activities include:

  • Performing routine laboratory procedures
  • Collecting blood samples
  • Using common lab equipment such as microscopes and computerized instruments
  • Inoculating culture media to identify bacteria
  • Monitoring quality control of tests and procedures

The work requires accuracy, the ability to use your hands skillfully, and a drive to get the job done.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN?

While in high school, take courses in biology, chemistry, social sciences, English, and mathematics. Volunteer at a local hospital or laboratory if possible to learn more about the role of laboratory personnel in a health care environment.

Medical laboratory technology is also know as Clinical Laboratory Science. It is a one-year certificate or two-year Associate of Science Degree program.

The requirements include:

  • A high school diploma or its equivalency (GED)

Individual program requirements may vary. Following completion of training, graduates may take one of two available national exams which will qualify them to become a certified medical laboratory technician also known as a (clinical laboratory scientist).

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SCHOOL?

Programs in medical laboratory technology include classes in both teaching and clinical laboratories. The teaching laboratory concentrates on general knowledge, basic skills, and mastering techniques of laboratory testing. Classes taken may include:

  • Genetics
  • Blood collecting techniques
  • Medical ethics
  • Physiology
  • Anatomy
  • Quality control procedures

The clinical training program includes basic skills used in the diagnostic laboratory. Instruction includes procedures in hematology, serology, chemistry, microbiology, and other useful areas.

ACCREDITED PROGRAMS OF STUDY

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

The employment outlook for medical laboratory technicians is good through the next decade. The field is expected to grow 11% from 2010 to 2020 which is about  the same as the average of all occupations. Most medical lab personnel work in hospital laboratories. Many medical laboratory technicians are employed by private physicians, for-profit laboratories, clinics, nursing homes, or public health facilities. Medical laboratory technicians are supervised by medical technologists.

Video Description of a Medical Lab Technician

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
2025 M Street NW
Suite 800
Washington DC, 20036
(202) 367 – 1174
www.ascls.org

National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Science
5600 N. River Rd. Suite #720
Rosemount, IL 60018

www.naacls.org 

Last Updated: April 3, 2015