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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
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Summary

Clinical laboratory personnel examine and test body fluids and cells. Quick Facts: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | 2010 Median Pay | $46,680 per year
$22.44 per hour | Entry-Level Education | See How to Become One | Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None | On-the-job Training | None | Number of Jobs, 2010 | 330,600 | Job Outlook, 2010-20 | 13% (About as fast as average) | Employment Change, 2010-20 | 42,900 |
What Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Do
Medical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
Work Environment
Medical laboratory technologists and technicians work in healthcare facilities or laboratories.
How to Become a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist or Technician
Educational requirements for technologists and technicians differ. Medical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree. Technicians usually need an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed or registered.
Pay
The median annual wage of medical laboratory technologists was $56,130 in May 2010. The median annual wage of medical laboratory technicians was $36,280 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical laboratory technologists is expected to grow by 11 percent between 2010 and 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment of medical laboratory technicians is expected to grow by 15 percent between 2010 and 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians with similar occupations.
O*NET
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Contacts for More Information
Learn more about medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians by contacting these additional resources.
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What Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Do

Protective masks, gloves, and goggles often are necessary to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.
Medical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform the tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
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Duties
Medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory technicians have different job responsibilities: technologists perform more complex tests and procedures than do technicians, and they typically supervise technicians. Medical laboratory technologists typically do the following: * Analyze body fluids such as blood, urine, and tissue samples to determine normal or abnormal findings * Collect and study blood samples for use in transfusions by identifying the number of cells, the cell morphology or the blood group, blood type, and compatibility with other blood types * Operate sophisticated laboratory equipment such as microscopes and cell counters * Use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time * Log data from medical tests and enter results into a patient’s medical record * Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians * Supervise or train medical laboratory technicians
Medical laboratory technicians usually work under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.