Does working in a laboratory using top-of-the-line medical equipment to analyze blood and tissue samples seem exciting?
If you answer yes, being a Medical Laboratory Technician may be your perfect career!
As a Medical Laboratory Technician, you are at the forefront of the diagnostic process, testing and recording your findings so doctors can diagnose a patient.
You are vital to ensuring patients receive the correct care quickly and accurately.
Medical Laboratory Technician Information
| Official Job Title: | Medical Laboratory Technician |
| Average Salary: | $52,780 |
| Stress Level: | High |
| Work/ Life: | High |
| Job Satisfaction: | High |
| Career Advancement: | Average |
Medical Laboratory Technician Job Description
What Is A Medical Laboratory Technician?
A Medical Laboratory Technician is a highly skilled professional who tests patients’ blood and tissue samples to determine their medical diagnosis.
They can also test and see if the patient’s current treatment plan is working and effective.
What Does A Medical Laboratory Technician Do On A Daily Basis?
No two days are alike for a Medical Laboratory Technician.
You work under a Medical Laboratory Technologist, who will assign your daily tasks.
Your day will consist of testing various lab specimens and writing reports based on your findings.
You may also be required to obtain samples from patients.
It is essential to remain flexible since you never know what the laboratory will receive daily.
Responsibilities, Duties, And Roles Of A Medical Laboratory Technician
You will perform many responsibilities and duties as a Medical Laboratory Technician.
It is your job to analyze samples brought into the lab and report on your findings.
These samples include different body fluids like urine, blood, and tissue.
You will also work with highly advanced lab equipment, including cell counters, and must be proficient in operating computerized equipment for more advanced testing.
After receiving your findings, you will be responsible for inputting them into the patient’s medical records.
It is your role to provide the doctor with the testing results so he may relay the information to the patient.
Medical Laboratory Technician Salary
Average Salary
The average salary of a Medical Laboratory Technician is $52,780.
Starting Salary
The starting salary of a Medical Laboratory Technician is, on average, $48,178.
Senior Salary
The senior salary of a Medical Laboratory Technician is, on average, $72,960.
As with any job, salaries may vary by experience level, company, location, and other factors.
How To Become A Medical Laboratory Technician
The Entry Level: Certification, Training, And Degree
To become a Medical Laboratory Technician, you must have at least an Associate’s Degree in medical lab technology, a similar field, or a postsecondary certificate.
Although not required in every state, you may need a license to work.
You must check your state to see if you need licensing before applying for a job in the field.
If your state does require you to get a license, you must complete your certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathology or ASCP.
To obtain this certification, you must have your Associate’s degree and sixty hours of credits from an accredited college recognized by a national or regional accreditation agency.
Of those sixty credit hours, you must have six in chemistry and biology.
After you have earned your credit hours, you must complete one of the following:
- Within the past five years, completed a medical lab technician program (NAACLS or ABHES accredited)
- Earned a Certified Laboratory Assistant credential from the ASCP
- Completed within the last ten years a fifty-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course
- Have three years of accredited laboratory experience in chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, blood banking, urinalysis
Other Skill Sets, Requirements, And Qualifications
In addition to a degree and state-dependent licensing, a Medical Laboratory Technician must have a wide range of skill sets to qualify for the job.
These skills include the following:
- Proficient in chemistry, microbiology, and phlebotomy
- Confidence and professionalism in patient care, specimen collecting, and customer service
- Precision for data entry and quality control
- Confidence with laboratory equipment and testing
How Long Does It Take To Become A Medical Laboratory Technician
The time it takes to become a Medical Laboratory Technician depends on the state in which you live.
A state that requires licensing can take between three to five years, while it may only take two years in a state that doesn’t require you to get a license.
Is It Hard To Become A Medical Laboratory Technician?
Becoming a Medical Laboratory Technician is challenging since you have proficient skills in chemistry and microbiology.
It is much more complicated in licensing states than in states not requiring a license.
Medical Laboratory Technician Career Paths
The Medical Laboratory Technician Roadmap
To become a Medical Laboratory Technician, you must obtain your Associate’s Degree in medical lab technology or other fields.
You may also receive a postsecondary certificate from a college with National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences or NAACLS courses.
If in a licensing state, you must pass your exam before you can begin working in your field.
After you have obtained the required amount of time of practical experience, you may take your American Society for Clinical Pathology or ASCP certification.
Projections For Growth In Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs
Growth for Medical Laboratory Technician jobs will increase as the population ages.
Conditions such as obesity, cancer, and global disease ensure that this career path needs qualified workers.
In Summary: Is Medical Laboratory Technician A Good Career?
Yes, Medical Laboratory Technician is a promising career for anyone who likes problem-solving, analyzing data, and helping people.
Working Conditions
Can A Medical Laboratory Technician Work From Home?
A Medical Laboratory Technician can’t work from home.
They must work in a lab to access the required equipment and safely store specimens and samples.
How Many Hours Does A Medical Laboratory Technician Work?
Medical Laboratory Technicians often work more than a forty-hour week, with overnight shifts not uncommon.
They may also work on the weekends and holidays, depending on the location of their lab.
Can A Medical Laboratory Technician Work Part-Time?
Medical Laboratory Technicians almost exclusively work full-time.
Due to the job requirements and schedule, it is not common to see a part-time technician.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Medical Laboratory Technician?
Generally, vacation days for a Medical Laboratory Technician employed full-time by a company begin at ten days for one year.
They can increase to twenty-four days for over ten years of employment.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Medical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Records Technician
- Medical Office Administrator
- Forensic Science Technician
- Radiologic Technologist
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant
- Food Scientist
- Hydrologist
Medical Laboratory Technician Resume Tips
When writing your resume, include all relevant education experience and any certifications or training you have completed.
Be sure to list all your skills, no matter how small, since you don’t know what the hiring manager is looking for.
Including special activities that set you apart from other applicants is also a great way to promote yourself.
Be concise and clear without putting in too much “fluff” that is distracting and takes away from your qualities.
Medical Laboratory Technician Interview Questions
Q1: How do you perform in a high-stress environment?
Why It Works: Asking this question during an interview can give you insight into how the candidate reacts when there are many different tasks they must perform simultaneously.
You can also tell by their demeanor how they feel about having to deal with high-stress situations daily.
Q2: Do you feel a workspace should be completely clear, or is it ok to have personal items on display?
Why It Works: In this profession, a meticulously kept workspace is vital to the safety and security of everyone involved.
If the candidate doesn’t appreciate the importance of this issue, they may endanger many lives.
Jobs Related To Medical Laboratory Technician
If you are interested in careers related to Medical Laboratory technicians, below is a small list of choices.
- Medical IT
- Laboratory Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- EEG Technician
- Phlebotomist
- Ultrasound Technician
For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Medical Laboratory Technician
Key Characteristics To Look For In A Medical Laboratory Technician
When looking to hire a Medical Laboratory Technician, a few key characteristics to look for are:
- Critical thinking skills
- Highly analytical
- Customer service and patient care skills
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving
- Time management
Minimum Level Of Education And Experience
The minimum level of education required is an Associate’s degree in medical lab technology or a similar field or a postsecondary certificate.
Having experience working in a lab under a trained technician is a plus but is not required.
In states requiring licensing, the candidate must have a valid license.