Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
What is a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist?
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists are healthcare professionals who perform complex laboratory tests and analyses to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories, and are responsible for conducting tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. These technologists utilize a range of sophisticated equipment and technology to ensure accurate test results, which are critical for patient care. Their role includes preparing samples for analysis, operating diagnostic equipment, interpreting test results, and maintaining laboratory standards to ensure quality control. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists also play a vital role in research and development, helping to advance medical science by participating in clinical trials and developing new laboratory techniques and technologies.
Tasks
- Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
- Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
- Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
- 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.
- Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Hematology analyzers
- Chemistry analyzers
- Laboratory diluters
- Anaerobic jars or accessories
- Laminar flow cabinets or stations
Knowledge
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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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.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Associate's degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
- Analyze laboratory findings.
- Collect biological specimens from patients.
- Maintain medical laboratory equipment.
- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
Work Interests
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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.
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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.
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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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36770.0 - $93900.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.