The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.
LINKS TO MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN DIRECTORY PAGES
WHAT MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS DO
Medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.
Job Duties
PAY
National Average Annual Pay (2019): $54,780
Top 5 States
1. Alaska
$72,690
2. Rhode Island
$68,000
3. Connecticut
$67,900
4. New York
$65,560
5. Oregon
$64,880
Bottom 5 States
50. Arkansas
$44,100
49. Mississippi
$46,270
48. Alabama
$46,400
47. Oklahoma
$47,580
46. Indiana
$47,650
STEPS TO BECOME A MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
To be a medical laboratory technician, you will need to enroll in a medical laboratory technician program. Some programs will give you an associate’s degree while others will give some type of certification of achievement. If you are interested in becoming a clinical laboratory technologist, you will likely need a bachelor’s degree.
Currently 11 states require you to take an exam to obtain licensure to become a medical laboratory technician. These states are:
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaiʻi
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nevada
- New York
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
1. Enroll in a Medical Laboratory Technician Program
The program will take at least 2 years to complete
2. Take an Exam to be Certified
If you are in one of the 11 required states, you will need to take the National Certification Exam to become a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). The exam is given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
3. Get Hired as a Medical Laboratory Technician
QUALITIES OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS
Dexterity
Medical laboratory technicians need to be skilled with their hands. They work closely with needles and precision laboratory instruments and must handle these tools effectively.
Physical Stamina
Medical laboratory technicians may work on their feet for long periods while collecting samples. They may need to lift or turn disabled patients to collect samples for testing.
Ability to Use Technology
Medical laboratory technicians must understand how to operate computerized lab equipment.
Detail Oriented
Medical laboratory technicians must follow exact instructions in order to perform tests or procedures correctly.