An Office Laboratory Technician is a health practitioner qualified by education, experience, and examination to perform medical laboratory testing through the waived, point-of-care and moderate complexity levels and office tasks typically associated with a physician’s office practice.
Nature of the Job
As a multi-skilled practitioner, the technician performs waived and moderately complex laboratory testing, medical front and back office tasks, and performs a variety of tasks involving direct patient contact. The scope of practice for a certified office laboratory technician covers many areas and it is necessary they have knowledge of all Federal and State regulations applicable to their job.
Some of the duties that could be performed by an Office Laboratory Technician:
- Assists others in performing routine administrative and clinical tasks
- Answer telephones
- Processing laboratory specimens
- Assist in the collection and testing of medical specimens
- Perform (depending on State Law) chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests
- Assist with processing, reading and reporting of specimens to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other micro-organisms
Education Requirements:
Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. with acceptable training. Often Office Laboratory Technicians are medical assistants with advanced training or entry-level medical laboratory technicians.
Many colleges, career schools and technical schools offer medical assisting, laboratory assistant and medical laboratory technician programs. Students graduating from these programs receive either a certificate or diploma for medical assisting and laboratory assistant program and an Associates degree for medical laboratory technician. In some cases medical assistants and laboratory assistants can receive an Associate’s degree if they are in an advanced program.
Certification/Licensing:
Each individual state decides the scope of practice for Certified Office Laboratory Technicians along with any licensing or certification requirements for laboratory personnel.
Working Conditions:
Office Laboratory Technicians should work in well-lighted areas that are kept in asceptic conditions. A COLT must be able to work with patients and co-workers on a daily basis.
Employment/Employment Outlook:
Employment outlook is good since many doctor offices and clinics are starting to do more laboratory work in the office.
Estimated Earnings:
Earnings vary depending on experience, education and skill level. Certified Office Laboratory Technicans (COLT) are typically paid hourly and it varies by state, shift, schooling and experience.
- Average starting wage is $7.5 to $12.00 per hour
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