Like technologists, clinical laboratory technicians may work in several areas of the laboratory or specialize in one area. Molecular biology technologists perform complex protein and nucleic acid tests on cell samples. Microbiology technologists examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms. Immunology technologists examine elements of the human immune system and its response to foreign bodies.
The following are examples of types of specialized clinical laboratory technologists:īlood bank technologists, or immunohematology technologists, collect blood, classify it by type, and prepare blood and its components for transfusions.Ĭlinical chemistry technologists prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.Ĭytotechnologists prepare slides of body cells and examine these cells under a microscope for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of a cancerous growth. Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests in large laboratories, they sometimes specialize.
Clinical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.
For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physiciansīoth technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare personnel order.Log data from medical tests and enter results into a patient’s medical record.Use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time.Operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters.Study blood samples for use in transfusions by identifying the number of cells, the cell morphology or the blood group, blood type, and compatibility with other blood types.Analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples, and record normal or abnormal findings.DutiesĬlinical laboratory technologists and technicians typically do the following: Laboratory personnel wear protective masks, gloves, and goggles to ensure their safety.Ĭlinical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and clinical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Learn more about clinical laboratory technologists and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Similar OccupationsĬompare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians with similar occupations. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.Įxplore resources for employment and wages by state and area for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. Job OutlookĮmployment of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.Ībout 25,900 openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $57,800 in May 2021. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed. Technicians usually need an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.
How to Become a Clinical Laboratory Technologist or TechnicianĬlinical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree. Others work in medical and diagnostic laboratories or doctors’ offices. Many clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work in hospitals. What Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians DoĬlinical laboratory technologists and technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Quick Facts: Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Please enable javascript to play this video.