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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technician

What They Do:

Medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests on medical substances. Technologists perform more complex tests and supervise technicians.

Typical tasks include:

  • Analyzing bodily fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples

  • Collecting and studying blood samples for use in transfusions

  • Operating sophisticated laboratory equipment and computerized instruments

  • Logging data from medical tests and entering results into a patient’s medical record

  • Supervising or training medical laboratory technicians

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree is generally needed for technologists

  • Associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate is generally needed for a technician

  • New Jersey does not require medical and clinical laboratory technologists or technicians to be licensed or registered, but many employers require them to be certified. This involves completing an accredited training program and passing a qualifying exam

What They Make:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2019 median pay was $53,120 per year.                                        

Where They Work:

Approximately half of technologists and technicians were employed in hospitals in 2019 with most others working in doctors’ offices or diagnostic laboratories.

Outlook:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is expected to grow by 7% from 2019-2029, which is much faster than average. The demand for technicians will be greater than the demand for technologists.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm (visited December 2020).

Updated December 2020