Medical Laboratory Technician
A Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a healthcare professional who plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating diseases by performing a variety of medical tests in laboratories. They utilize both manual and automated equipment to analyze samples, including blood and urine, and are responsible for tasks such as preparing specimens, identifying bacteria, and conducting tests for various health conditions. MLTs typically work in hospitals, clinics, or independent laboratories, often spending over 40 hours a week on their duties, which may require evening or weekend shifts to ensure timely test results.
Individuals drawn to this profession generally possess strong analytical and detail-oriented skills, with a background in science being essential. Medical Laboratory Technicians may specialize in areas such as microbiology, chemistry, or orthotics and prosthetics. The career outlook for MLTs is favorable, with employment projected to grow faster than average, and the median annual earnings are approximately $60,780. Educational paths for MLTs usually involve obtaining a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field, often supplemented by practical experience through internships. Overall, MLTs play a vital part in the healthcare system, contributing to patient care and safety through their expertise in laboratory testing.
Medical Laboratory Technician
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Medicine, biology, chemistry, science, medical appliances, data analysis, statistics
Earnings (Yearly Median): $60,780 per year $29.22 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 5% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Medical laboratory technicians work in laboratories, performing medical tests used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They use manual and automated equipment to prepare specimens, examine specimens under microscopes, identify bacteria, record blood counts, perform urinalysis, and carry out automated tests. Specialized medical laboratory technicians, such as orthotic and prosthetic technicians and medical appliance technicians, may also craft, produce, and service medical equipment that helps individuals live improved and independent lives.
Work Environment. Medical laboratory technicians spend their workdays in medical laboratories located in hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical technology businesses, educational facilities, and independent medical laboratories. Human interaction in medical labs tends to be limited to laboratory staff, doctors, and patients. Medical laboratory technicians generally work forty hours or more each week. A medical laboratory technician’s shifts may include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the medical community’s need for test results.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of medical laboratory technicians tend to be intelligent, analytical, and detail-oriented. Those most successful as medical laboratory technicians display traits such as good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, focus, problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, responsibility, effective time management, and concern for others. Medical laboratory technicians should enjoy spending time in laboratory settings and have a strong background in science and infection control.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. A medical laboratory technician’s daily occupational duties and responsibilities are determined by the individual’s area of job specialization and work environment. Medical laboratory technician specialties include chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, cytotechnology, histotechnology, immunology, hematology, orthotics and prosthetics, and medical appliances.
Most medical laboratory technicians run medical tests and assist in the analysis of test results. Some technicians, commonly known as phlebotomists, draw blood from patients in accordance with required safety protocols. Medical laboratory technicians often perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of bodily fluids such as blood, spinal fluid, and urine using microscopes and automated analysis equipment. They screen slides of cells for evidence of cancer or abnormalities, prepare slides of human tissues for pathologists, and test batches of donated blood prior to its use in transfusions. Recording blood counts, incubating bacteria, preparing vaccines, and maintaining cultures at set temperatures to encourage growth are other common duties. Medical laboratory technicians may prepare vaccines and conduct safety tests to ensure that they are sterile and contain the intended active or inactive virus.
Regardless of the specific testing procedure, the medical laboratory technician must prepare the solutions and reagents that will be used in laboratory tests, and once a test has been completed, review the results to check for procedure and specification conformity. They then translate test data into charts and narratives that doctors can use to help explain results to patients. The technician must document all testing procedures performed and report any and all abnormal findings or unusual test results to pathologists. In addition, medical laboratory technicians are responsible for setting up, calibrating, and sterilizing all medical laboratory equipment and materials on an ongoing basis.
Technicians who specialize in orthotics, prosthetics, or medical appliances assist in the fabrication and maintenance of medical devices that treat patient conditions. They may help develop, craft, and produce assistive and adaptive medical devices according to prescription specifications. These technicians may also help fit, repair, and service these devices or teach patients how to use them.
Histotechnologists (078.261-030). Histotechnologists prepare sections of human or animal tissue for examination by a pathologist. They use different techniques that prepare the tissue to be studied for the diagnosis of body dysfunction and malignancy.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Medical laboratory technicians spend their workdays in laboratory settings located in hospitals, doctors’ offices, medical businesses, educational facilities, and independent medical laboratories. Technicians frequently handle hazardous biological material and must, therefore, take safety precautions to avoid exposure to infection.
Human Environment. Medical laboratory technicians have limited human interaction at work, but they should be comfortable meeting with laboratory staff, pathologists, physicians, and patients. Medical laboratory technicians are usually supervised by a medical technologist or laboratory manager. Orthotics and prosthetics technicians work for orthotists, prosthetists, and podiatrists.
Technological Environment. Medical laboratory technicians use computers and laboratory instruments, such as microscopes and automated analyzers, for hematology and urinalysis. Technicians should also be comfortable using the equipment necessary for collecting thin-section tissue samples as well as those for preserving and growing tissue samples, vaccines, and viruses. They should also be versed in setting up, maintaining, calibrating, cleaning, and testing the sterility of medical laboratory equipment. Technicians may need to use software for accounting, databases, patient records, and medical testing. This includes electronic medical record (EMR) software and MEDITECH software. Medical appliance technicians and orthotics and prosthetics technicians must be familiar with power tools, laboratory ovens, and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in becoming medical laboratory technicians should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school–level study of biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics will provide a strong foundation for college-level work in the medical laboratory field. Drafting and mechanical classes are beneficial for those who intend to become medical appliance technicians. Due to the diversity of medical laboratory technician responsibilities, high school students interested in this career path will benefit from seeking internships or part-time jobs that expose them to laboratory and medical settings and procedures.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming medical laboratory technicians should work toward a certificate or an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology, clinical sciences, applied technology, or a related field. Those who complete an accredited training program will find it easier to become certified. Medical laboratory technology programs can be accredited by one of several organizations: the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Orthotic and prosthetic technician training programs are accredited by the National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE). Postsecondary students can gain work experience and a potential advantage in their future job searches by securing internships or part-time employment in laboratory and medical settings.
Related Occupations
− Medical Technologist
Bibliography
“Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technicians." My Next Move, 2024, www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/29-2012.00. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 29-2010 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292010.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.