Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Overview
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists run advanced lab tests that help doctors figure out what is making patients sick and how to treat them. They work with blood, urine, and other body fluids, using tools like microscopes, spectrophotometers, and computer-controlled analyzers to detect infections, measure chemicals, and match blood for transfusions. They also design and improve testing procedures, check that results are accurate through quality control programs, and often supervise or train other lab workers to keep the entire laboratory running safely and reliably.
Did you know?
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field, plus certification from organizations like ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or AMT (American Medical Technologists).
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Programming
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.
- Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
- Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
- Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
- Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
- Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
- Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
- Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
- Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
- Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
- Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
- Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.
- Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
- Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
Career Considerations
Education and Certification Requirements
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or related field, plus certification from organizations like ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or AMT (American Medical Technologists).
Strong Job Market Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average job growth due to an aging population and increased demand for medical testing in American healthcare systems.
Hospital-Based Work Environment
Most technologists work in hospital laboratories with potential for shift work, weekend duties, and exposure to infectious materials requiring strict safety protocols.