Related job titles are: Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Medical Laboratory Technician (Medical Lab Tech), Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Laboratory Supervisor, Non-Registered Technician, Laboratory Associate (Lab Associate), or Toxicology Laboratory Technician.
How Much Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Make? | Medical Laboratory Technician Salary
The median yearly salary for medical laboratory technologists was $56,130 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). This median salary is simply the salary where half the employees earned more and half earned a lesser amount. The lowest 10 percent earned more than $38,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,780.
The median yearly salary for medical laboratory technicians was $36,280 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). The lowest 10 percent earned more than $24,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $56,040.
What Does a Medical Laboratory Technician Do? | Job Description
Clinical Laboratory Technician is one of U.S. News and World Report "100 Best Jobs of 2013." 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 technicians usually work under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers. Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures that physicians or other healthcare personnel order. However, technologists perform more complex tests and laboratory procedures than technicians do. For example, technologists may prepare specimens and operate automated analyzers or perform manual tests that are based on detailed instructions.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist is one of CNNMoney.com "100 Best Jobs in America."
How to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician?
Medical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree. Technicians usually need an associate's degree or a career college certificate. Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed.
Medical Laboratory Technician Classes and Courses | Degree Programs
High school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical laboratory sciences should take courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Universities and hospitals offer medical technology programs. An entry-level job for technologists usually requires a bachelor's degree in medical technology or life sciences.
A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology includes courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology, mathematics, and statistics, as well as courses on clinical laboratory skills, management, and education. This degree is sometimes known as a medical laboratory scientist program.
Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs | Who is Hiring?
An increase in the aging population will lead to a greater need to diagnose medical conditions, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes, through laboratory procedures. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians will be needed to use and maintain the equipment needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Get information on paying for college using Federal Student Financial Aid Programs.
