Nature of the Work
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, also known as medical technologists and technicians, perform most of these tests.
Clinical laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, or other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood to show how a patient is responding to treatment. They also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells. They use automated equipment and instruments that perform a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other kinds of sophisticated laboratory equipment to perform tests. Then they analyze the results and relay them to physicians.
The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility workers assume depend largely on the amount of education and experience they have.
Medical technologists generally have a bachelor's degree in medical technology or in one of the life sciences, or have a combination of formal training and work experience. They perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests. Technologists microscopically examine blood, tissue, and other body substances; make cultures of body fluid or tissue samples to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other micro organisms; analyze samples for chemical content or reaction; and determine blood glucose or cholesterol levels. They also type and cross match blood samples for transfusions.
They may evaluate test results, develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs to insure the accuracy of tests. Some medical technologists supervise medical laboratory technicians.
Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, while those in large laboratories generally specialize. Technologists who prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids are clinical chemistry technologists. Those who examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms are microbiology technologists. Blood bank technologists collect, type, and prepare blood and its components for transfusions; immunology technologists examine elements and responses of the human immune system to foreign bodies. Cytotechnologists prepare slides of body cells and microscopically examine these cells for abnormalities, which may signal the beginning of a cancerous growth.
Medical laboratory technicians perform less complex tests and laboratory procedures than technologists. Technicians may prepare specimens and operate automatic analyzers, for example, or they may perform manual tests following detailed instructions. Like technologists, they may work in several areas of the clinical laboratory or specialize in just one. Histology technicians cut and stain tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, and phlebotomists draw and test blood. They usually work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers.
Working Conditions
Hours and other working conditions vary according to the size and type of employment setting. In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate continuously, personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift, and may work weekends and holidays. Laboratory personnel in small facilities may work on rotating shifts rather than on a regular shift. In some facilities, laboratory personnel are on call, available in case of an emergency, several nights a week or on weekends.
Clinical laboratory personnel are trained to work with infectious specimens. When proper methods of infection control and sterilization are followed, few hazards exist.
Laboratories generally are well lit and clean; however, specimens, solutions, and reagents used in the laboratory sometimes produce odors. Laboratory workers may spend a great deal of time on their feet.
Employment
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians held about 335,700 jobs in 2016. 49% of technologists and technicians worked in hospitals, with 17% working in medical and diagnostic laboratories and 10% working in physicians ‘offices.
Most medical clinical laboratory technologists and technicians worked full-time.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
The usual requirement for an entry-level position as a medical technologist is a bachelor's degree with a major in medical technology or in one of the life sciences. Universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs. It is also possible to qualify through a combination of on-the-job and specialized training.
Bachelor's degree programs in medical technology include courses in chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics, statistics, and specialized courses devoted to knowledge and skills used in the clinical laboratory. Many programs also offer or require courses in management, business, and computer applications.
Masters degrees in medical technology and related clinical laboratory sciences provide training for specialized areas of laboratory work or teaching, administration, or research.
Medical laboratory technicians generally have an associate degree from a community or junior college, or a certificate from a hospital, vocational or technical school, or from one of the Armed Forces. A few technicians learn on the job.
Certification is not required, however, licensure and certification are preferred in hiring. Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered.
Widely accepted by employers in the health industry, certification is a prerequisite for most jobs and often is necessary for advancement. Agencies that certify medical laboratory technologists and technicians include the American Medical Technologists, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Personnel, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. These agencies have different requirements for certification and different organizational sponsors.
Clinical laboratory personnel need analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Close attention to detail is essential because small differences or changes in test substances or numerical readouts can be crucial for patient care. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are highly desirable. With the widespread use of automated laboratory equipment, computer skills are important. In addition, technologists in particular are expected to be good at problem solving.
Technologists may advance to supervisory positions in laboratory work or become chief medical technologists or laboratory managers in hospitals. Manufacturers of home diagnostic testing kits and laboratory equipment and supplies seek experienced technologists to work in product development, marketing, and sales. Graduate education in medical technology, one of the biological sciences, chemistry, management, or education usually speeds advancement. A doctorate is needed to become a laboratory director. Technicians can become technologists through additional education and experience.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical laboratory technologists is projected to grow 12% from 2016 to 2026, faster than average for all occupations. Employment of medical laboratory technicians is projected to grow 14% from 2016 to 2026, faster than average for all occupations.
The rapidly growing older population will spur demand, which will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions. Prenatal testing for genetic conditions also continues to increase. With both of these factors, the demand for both technologists and technicians will continue to expand.
Earnings
The median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians was $51,770 in 2017. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,640 and the highest 10% earned more than $79,530. The top industry for technologists and technicians in 2017 was hospitals, with medical/diagnostic laboratories, schools, physicians’ offices, and outpatient care centers following close behind.
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