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What does a Medical Laboratory Technician do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A medical laboratory technician is a health professional who performs tests on blood and other body fluids to help diagnose and treat diseases.

Medical Laboratory Technician job duties include:

  • Operate and maintain equipment.
  • Prepare samples for analysis.
  • Conduct routine analyses.
  • Record and interpret results.
  • Perform quality control procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Follow safety guidelines.
  • Calibrate equipment.
  • Troubleshoot problems.
  • Clean and sterilize equipment and work area

Medical Laboratory Technician Job Requirements

Most medical laboratory technicians have an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology. Some have a bachelor’s degree in a related science, such as biology or chemistry. A few states require licensure. Many community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, and the Armed Forces offer training programs for medical laboratory technicians. Certification is available but not required in most states. Certification may be required to work in some hospital laboratories. To become certified, candidates must have completed an accredited educational program and have passed a national examination.

Medical Laboratory Technician Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of laboratory equipment and procedures
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Safety awareness
  • Bloodborne pathogens training

Related: Top Medical Laboratory Technician Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Medical Laboratory Technician

A medical laboratory technician is a health care professional who performs tests on blood and other body fluids to help diagnose and treat disease. There are many different types of medical laboratory technicians, and the specific job duties vary depending on the type of position. However, all medical laboratory technicians must have a strong knowledge of biology and chemistry, and must be able to use this knowledge to perform accurate tests.

To become a medical laboratory technician, you will need to complete an accredited training program. These programs are typically two-year associate's degree programs, although some schools offer four-year bachelor's degree programs. During your training, you will take courses in biology, chemistry, and other sciences, as well as learn how to use the various instruments and equipment used in the medical laboratory. You will also complete clinical rotations, which will give you hands-on experience working in a medical lab.

Once you have completed your training program, you will need to obtain certification from a professional organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Certification is not required in all states, but it may give you an advantage when applying for jobs. In addition, many employers prefer to hire certified medical laboratory technicians.

With the proper training and certification, you can begin working as a medical laboratory technician in a hospital or other healthcare setting. With experience, you may eventually move into a supervisory or management position within the lab.

Related: Medical Laboratory Technician Resume Example

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

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

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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