Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Skills

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Science

  Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Abilities

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Information Ordering

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Oral Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Problem Sensitivity

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Bachelor's degree
  46 %
• Associate's degree
  31 %
• Post-baccalaureate certificate
  10 %

  Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master

Work Activities

• Processing Information

  Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

• Working with Computers

  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

• Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
• Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
• Analyze laboratory findings.
• Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
• Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.

Work Interests

• Realistic

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Investigative

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Conventional

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.