What is a Medical Laboratory Technician?
Medical laboratory technicians work in both hands-on and analytical situations to assist in the detection, diagnosis and management of patient illnesses. These healthcare professionals perform a variety of clinical tests that help physicians identify parasites, bacteria and other microorganisms.
Common job settings for medical laboratory technicians include:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Public health organizations
- Private laboratories
- Research departments
Explore more information on medical laboratory technicians including job duties, skills, demand and programs below.
- Job Duties
-
Medical Laboratory Technician Job Duties
Every day of work for a professional medical laboratory technician offers something different, and their duties on any given day can change drastically. Some job duties may include:
- Obtaining and preparing blood, urine and tissue specimens for examination
- Performing chemical, biological, hematological, microscopic, immunologic, or bacteriological tests
- Analyzing data and samples
- Assisting physicians with testing
- And more
- Career Skills
-
Medical Laboratory Technician Skills
To be the best medical laboratory technician you can be, certain skills and characteristics are essential. These include:
- Technical Skills: These professionals perform complex tests and procedures and use medical equipment on a daily basis, so the ability to feel comfortable using the machinery and performing the tests is vital.
- Attention to Detail Skills: Medical laboratory technicians need to follow precise instructions given by physicians in order to avoid mistakes during complicated tests and procedures. In this field, every detail matters.
- Interpersonal Skills: Working with physicians and patients frequently requires these healthcare professionals to feel comfortable interacting and explaining complicated information to others.
- Demand
-
Medical Laboratory Technician Demand
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the career outlook for medical laboratory technicians to continue to grow about as fast as the national average for all jobs. By 2020, this field is expected to grow by 15 percent, creating about 23,800 new jobs.*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm. This is a national projection. Conditions in your location may vary.
- Programs
-
Medical Laboratory Technician Programs & Training
Medical laboratory technician courses usually cover a broad range of subjects including:
- Math
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Medical laboratory technician education can include hands-on training so students learn the practical and career-relevant skills they will need on the job.
Are you interested in becoming a medical laboratory technician? Discover more about the field by locating it medical laboratory schools near you today. Start now.
Program availability and/or degree offerings subject to change. Employment and salary are not guaranteed.
Medical Laboratory Technician Schools
Filter by State:
Filter by Zip Code:
1-1 of 1 School(s)
Sanford-Brown College - Houston
Sanford-Brown is known throughout the healthcare industry as an educator of professionals who have acquired the real-world knowledge and practical skills to fill vi...
Learn More!
Associate and Certificate
Anesthesia Technology, Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant Specialist, Medical Assistant Bilingual, Medical Billing Administrative Specialist, Medical Billing and Coding , Medical Laboratory Technician, Pharmacy Technology, Surgical Technology
1-1 of 1 School(s)
