Nearly 300,000 practitioners of clinical laboratory science are working in the United States today. Since the development of this career profession in the 1920s, clinical laboratory science professionals have played a vital role in the diagnosis and prevention of disease.
Nature of the Job
Medical Laboratory Technicians perform procedures that are less complex and require less technical or theoretical knowledge than those performed by Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Technologist.
- Routine laboratory procedures
- Use of microscopes, computers, specialized instruments and equipment
- May evaluate test results
- Prepare specimens and operate automated analyzers
- Perform manual tests following detailed instructions
- May work in several areas of the laboratory or may specialize in one area
- Usually work under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers
Education Requirements
Medical Laboratory Technicians either have an associate’s degree or a certificate. Coursework includes:
- An associate degree or certification program in laboratory science
- Emphasis in chemistry and biology
- Integration of both clinical laboratory experience with academic courses
The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act required technicians who perform certain complex tests to have at least an associate’s degree.
The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) fully accredits 503 programs for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, histologic technologists and technicians and pathologists’ assistants. NAACLS also approves 70 programs in phlebotomy, cytogenetic technology, molecular biology, and clinical assisting. Other nationally accrediting agencies include the Accrediting Bureau of Health education Schools (ABHES) and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Some states require laboratory personnel to be licensed or registered. Information is available from state department of health boards. Certification is a voluntary process by which a non-governmental organization grants recognition to an individual whose professional competence meets prescribed standards. Widely accepted by employers and in many cases is a prerequisite for most jobs and often is necessary for advancement.
Working Conditions
Hours 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 several nights a week or on weekends, in case of an emergency.
Laboratories are usually well lighted and clean; however, specimens, solutions and reagents used in the laboratory sometimes produce fumes. Laboratory workers may spend a great deal of time on their feet.
Employment/Employment Outlook
There were about 295,000 medical technologists and medical laboratory technicians in 2000. About half worked in hospitals. Most of the remaining jobs were found in medical laboratories or offices and clinics of physicians. A small number were in blood banks, research and testing laboratories, and in the Federal Government – at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and U.S. Public Health Service facilities.
The fastest growth is expected in independent laboratories as hospitals continue to send out their lab work.
Employment of clinical laboratory workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Expected growth is about 10-20% through 2010.
Technicians can become technologists through additional education and experience.
Estimated Earnings
Median annual earnings of medical and clinical laboratory technicians were $27,540 in 2001. The middle 50 percent earned between $22,260 and $34,320. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,550, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $42,370. |
