Medical laboratory technicians perform tests on blood samples.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job classification for medical laboratory technicians includes several titles, such as clinical laboratory technicians, medical technicians, clinical laboratory scientists and medical technologists. The designation of technologist and scientist requires education beyond that of a technician. Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, clinics, medical research centers and development laboratories.
Education Requirements
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment as a medical laboratory technician usually requires an associate degree, or certification, however some technicians receive their training on the job. Certification can be obtained from several different sources including, the Armed Forces, vocational or technical schools or from a hospital. Nationally recognized agencies such as the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools accredits educational programs that lead to certification as medical laboratory technicians, and other specific clinical laboratory positions.
Additional Qualifications and Licensing
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that, "many employers prefer applicants who are certified by a recognized professional association." Some of the associations that provide certification to qualified medical laboratory technicians and technologists include the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the Board of Registry of the American Association of Bioanalysts. Individual qualifications include the ability to work well under pressure, attention to detail, problem solving skills, good computer skills, normal color vision, manual dexterity and good analytical judgment. Licensing for laboratory technicians and other personnel vary by state and applicants interested in this career field should contact the state department of health or licensing boards.
Job Duties
Medical laboratory technicians operate automated analyzers, prepare specimens and perform manual tests on cells and body fluids under the supervision of medical and clinical technologists. Technicians may specialize in specific fields or may work in a variety of areas in the laboratory. They perform diagnostic tests on blood and tissue specimens to further evaluate physicians' diagnosis, determine if the patient is responding to treatment and establish the presence on any parasites, bacteria or other microorganisms.
Advancement
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to advance to positions as medical laboratory technologists, technicians need additional training and experience. Technologists advance to fill supervisory positions and may become laboratory managers in hospitals, or chief medical or clinical laboratory technologists. Some will become laboratory directors in hospitals. Professional certifications and graduate degrees help to further the careers of technicians and technologists.
Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment opportunities should be excellent for medical laboratory technicians during the decade of 2008 to 2018 due in part to the growth rate of the population and new developments and increased number of test types.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual salary for medical laboratory technicians during the reporting period of May 2008 was $35,380. The middle 50 percent of medical and clinical laboratory technicians earned from $28,420 to $44,310. Technicians in the lowest 10 percent received less than $28,480, while the highest 10 percent earned in excess of $53,520.
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