Medical Laboratory Technician Career Guide

What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do?

Clinical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as medical laboratory technicians) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare practitioners order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. Technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated.

Typical day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples
• Operate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and automated cell counters
• Use automated equipment that analyzes multiple samples at the same time
• Record data from medical tests and enter results into a patient's medical record
• Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians
• Set up, calibrate, and maintain microscopes, cell counters, and other equipment
• Troubleshoot, clean, and test sterility to ensure quality control

Most clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work in healthcare settings such as hospitals (37%), medical and diagnostic laboratories (20%), and doctor's offices (10%). They may need to stand for long periods and work with infectious specimens and other biohazardous substances following strict safety protocols.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Bachelor's degree in medical technology or related life sciences (biology, chemistry) for technologists. Associate's degree in clinical laboratory science for technicians.
• High School Preparation: Chemistry, biology, and math courses recommended.
• Certifications: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification. Specialty certifications available in histology, clinical chemistry, cytotechnology, hematology, microbiology, and molecular biology. Some states require licensure.
• Key Skills: Analytical skills, attention to detail, manual dexterity, interpersonal skills (patient interaction), physical stamina, following laboratory procedures and safety protocols.
• Experience: No prior work experience required for entry-level positions. Accredited programs include hands-on training in hospital or clinical settings.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $61,890 ($29.75/hour)
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,020
• Experienced (90th percentile): $97,990
• Top-Paying Industries:
  • General medical and surgical hospitals: $66,650
  • Educational services: $62,470
  • Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $59,070
  • Offices of physicians: $53,920
  • Other ambulatory healthcare services: $46,610
• Work Schedule: Most work full time. May include night, weekend, or holiday shifts in hospitals and facilities that operate 24/7.

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 22,600 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, mostly from workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.

Factors driving demand:

• Aging population requiring more diagnostic testing for conditions like cancer and type 2 diabetes
• Increased use of genetic testing for disease diagnosis and treatment
• Growing need for laboratory procedures in medical facilities

Factors limiting growth:

• Increasing automation of laboratory workflows may reduce demand for some routine testing positions

The field remains stable with steady replacement demand, making it a reliable career path for those interested in healthcare and laboratory science.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in medical technology, biology, or chemistry for technologist roles, or an associate's degree in clinical laboratory science for technician positions. Ensure the program is accredited and includes hands-on clinical training. Vocational/technical schools and the Armed Forces also offer certificate programs for medical laboratory technicians.
2. Gain Clinical Experience: Accredited programs typically include practical training in hospital or clinical laboratory settings. Take advantage of these opportunities to build skills and network with professionals.
3. Get Certified: While not always required, employers prefer certified candidates. Pursue Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification after completing an accredited program. Consider specialty certifications in areas like cytotechnology, histology, or molecular biology for advanced opportunities.
4. Check State Requirements: Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. Contact your state department of health or board of occupational licensing to understand local requirements.
5. Apply Strategically: Target hospitals (largest employer at 37%), medical and diagnostic laboratories (20%), and physician offices (10%). Entry-level positions are available immediately after graduation for qualified candidates. Highlight your clinical training, certifications, and attention to detail in applications.

Career Path & Advancement

Clinical laboratory careers offer multiple advancement paths:

• Entry Level: Clinical Laboratory Technician (MLT with associate's degree) performing routine automated tests
• Mid-Level: Clinical Laboratory Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS with bachelor's degree) performing complex manual tests and supervising technicians
• Specialization Tracks: Cytotechnologist (cancer screening), Histotechnologist (tissue analysis), Blood Bank Technologist, Clinical Chemistry Technologist, Hematology Technologist, Microbiology Technologist, Molecular Biology Technologist
• Management Track: Laboratory Supervisor → Laboratory Manager → Laboratory Director, with responsibilities for quality assurance, staff management, and overall laboratory operations
• Education Track: Clinical instructor or educator in hospital programs or academic institutions

Some clinical laboratory technicians advance to technologist positions after gaining experience and obtaining additional education (bachelor's degree). Specialized certifications can open doors to higher-paying niche roles.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Medical Laboratory Technician, you might also consider:

• Biological Technicians - Assist biological and medical scientists with laboratory setup, data collection, and observation. Median salary: $52,000. Requires bachelor's degree.
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians - Conduct tests and assist in procedures involving the heart or lungs. Median salary: $67,260. Requires associate's degree.
• Chemical Technicians - Conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze properties of materials. Median salary: $57,790. Requires associate's degree.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers - Operate ultrasound equipment to create images of inside the body. Median salary: $89,340. Requires associate's degree.
• Phlebotomists - Draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. Median salary: $43,660. Requires postsecondary nondegree award.
• Veterinary Technologists and Technicians - Perform medical tests that help diagnose animals' injuries and illnesses. Median salary: $45,980. Requires associate's degree.
• Chemists and Materials Scientists - Research and analyze chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge. Median salary: $86,620. Requires bachelor's degree.