Medical Lab Technician
Clinical laboratory technicians collect specimens and perform tests on blood, urine, tissue, and other body fluids using automated equipment and manual techniques. They analyze results for abnormalities and report findings to physicians for diagnosis. The BLS reports a median salary of $57,380 with 5% projected growth. An associate degree in clinical laboratory science is required for technicians, while technologists typically need a bachelor's degree. ASCP certification is widely expected.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts by calibrating lab instruments and running quality control samples. The morning involves processing blood samples from the ER, performing a complete blood count and metabolic panel, and flagging critical results for the physician. After lunch, the technician cultures a urine specimen for bacteria, examines a blood smear under the microscope, and maintains inventory of reagents and supplies. The afternoon includes entering results into the laboratory information system and troubleshooting an analyzer error.
Key Stats
Education
Associate Degree
Salary Range
Entry: $40,000
Median: $57,380
Senior: $80,000
Job Growth