Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Overview
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
What do they do?
Clinical laboratory technologists (also known as medical laboratory scientists) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as medical laboratory technicians) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians and surgeons or other healthcare practitioners order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. For example, technologists may prepare specimens and perform detailed manual tests, whereas technicians perform routine tests that may be more automated. Clinical laboratory technicians usually work under the general supervision of clinical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians set up, calibrate, and maintain the microscopes, cell counters, and other equipment they use. Maintenance includes troubleshooting, cleaning, and testing sterility to ensure quality control. Technologists have more responsibilities related to overall quality assurance in laboratories than do technicians.
How to become one
Earn a Bachelors in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or another life science. Bachelor’s degree programs in medical laboratory technology, also known as a medical laboratory scientist degree, include courses in chemistry, biology, and hematology. Become certified as a medical laboratory scientist by a recognized, professional association. Licensure is required in West Virginia. Certain types of technologists, such as cytotechnologists, must attend specialized education programs.
High school students who are interested in becoming a clinical laboratory technologist or technician should take classes in chemistry, biology, and math.
