Synonyms: Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Technicians (Medical Lab Technician), Medical Technician

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Ramon

Quick Facts

What clinical laboratory technicians do:

Clinical laboratory technicians perform routine lab tests to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They manage lab operations, troubleshoot issues, and sometimes provide consulting services.

Median income:

$60,780 annually or $29.22 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Clinical laboratory technicians work full time, often in hospitals or labs that are open 24/7, which may require night, weekend, or holiday shifts. They work with infectious specimens, stand for long periods, and follow strict safety protocols to avoid injury or illness.

Education requirements:

An associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate is typically required for entry-level positions. A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science is preferred, and leadership roles may require a master’s degree.

Job outlook:

The future for clinical laboratory technicians is bright, with a projected 5% growth in employment, faster than the average for all occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You like working in a laboratory setup
• You’re interested in understanding how viruses and diseases work, as well as how to treat and diagnose them
• You like maintaining and operating lab equipment
• You enjoy following procedures and regulations

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Ramon Leos to learn more about being a clinical laboratory technician here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Full-time in medical facilities that operate around the clock, like hospitals. This schedule often includes shifts at nights, weekends, or holidays.

Setting:

Primarily in hospitals and medical labs, as they need to be physically present due to the nature of their work, though limited remote work may be possible in certain situations.

Tasks:

Testing and analyzing body fluids, operating lab equipment, recording and discussing test results, managing compliance paperwork, training staff, and handling operational duties like budgeting and meetings.

Topics:

Biology, chemistry, customer service, administrative tasks, and aspects of medicine and dentistry relevant to diagnosing and treating diseases. 

Skills:

Proficient in conducting various tests and procedures, understanding laboratory equipment, accurately analyzing test results, following strict protocols and safety guidelines, and maintaining laboratory records.

Tools:

Computers for managing laboratory operations, compliance, and communication. They use office software and email for daily tasks and specialized software for data analysis, correlation plotting, and test validation, which are crucial for diagnostic procedures in the lab.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Near vision for detailed observation, sensitivity to problems, effective oral and written communication, dexterity in handling instruments, and perceptual speed for accurately interpreting data in laboratory settings.

Interests:

Hands-on tasks such as designing and repairing equipment, conducting physical activities, and performing investigative work in medical sciences and human behavior research, as well as organizational roles in business settings.

Personality:

Clinical laboratory technicians typically have realistic, investigative, and conventional personality types. They are very practical, analytical, and structured when it comes to organizing data in healthcare settings.

Values:

Supportive management, teamwork in a friendly environment, and roles that offer independence and decision-making.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Technician

Education requirements:

An associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate from a community college or vocational school is required, typically taking about 1 to 2 years to complete. State licensure and certification may be necessary, as employers often prefer candidates with these credentials, so checking your state’s regulations is advisable.

Preferred majors:

Pursuing majors in medical technology, biology, chemistry, clinical laboratory science, or a related field can be beneficial to start.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Ramon

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Highlight your hands-on experience with specific laboratory equipment and emphasize any certifications or specialized training you have obtained. Additionally, showcase your attention to detail and ability to follow strict protocols in laboratory settings.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Get formal education and certification programs. While some cities may offer opportunities for biology graduates, nationwide, formal training and certification are generally required. Rushing training or relying solely on on-the-job experience without proper certification can limit job prospects, particularly in specialized areas like blood bank or coagulation.

Recommended resources:

Ramon recommends getting certifications in phlebotomy, which can be a good start. There are several certifications available, but obtaining a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) certificate or a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification can be particularly helpful.

What Ramon would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“Do what you really wanna do and make sure that you’re the best at it.”

Watch the full interview with Ramon: 

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 16 July 2024.

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