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What does a Clinical Laboratory Technician do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A clinical laboratory technician is a professional who works in a medical laboratory and performs tests on patients' samples to diagnose and treat diseases.

Clinical Laboratory Technician job duties include:

  • Collects blood and tissue samples from patients
  • Labels and processes the samples
  • Runs tests on the samples using various laboratory equipment
  • Records and reports test results
  • Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies
  • Performs quality control checks on laboratory procedures
  • May assist in research studies
  • May train new laboratory technicians
  • May work in multiple areas of the lab, such as hematology, immunology, or chemistry

Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Requirements

A Clinical Laboratory Technician typically has an Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology, although some have a Bachelor's degree. Certification is generally required and can be obtained through professional organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Experience is not always required, but it is helpful.

Clinical Laboratory Technician Skills

  • Phlebotomy
  • Aseptic technique
  • Instrumentation
  • Quality control
  • Precision
  • Accuracy
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Problem solving
  • Interpersonal skills

Related: Top Clinical Laboratory Technician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Clinical Laboratory Technician

A Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) is a professional who performs various laboratory tests to analyze body fluids, tissues, and other substances. CLTs work in hospitals, clinics, and independent laboratories. They typically work under the supervision of a medical technologist or physician.

To become a CLT, one must first earn a high school diploma or equivalent. After that, they must complete an accredited CLT program, which typically takes two years. Some states require CLTs to be licensed or certified. To earn certification, CLTs must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Those interested in becoming a CLT should have strong math and science skills and be detail-oriented. They should also be able to work well under pressure and have good communication skills.

Related: Clinical Laboratory Technician Resume Example

Related: Clinical Laboratory Technician Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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