Occupation Profile | NC Careers.org

Clinical Laboratory Technologists (also known as medical laboratory technologists) and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (also known as medical laboratory technicians) perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

What do they typically do

Test and analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples
Operate laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and automated cell counters
Use automated equipment that analyzes multiple samples at the same time
Record data from medical tests and enter results into a patient's medical record
Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures with physicians

Average Annual

Job Growth +1.0%

Job Openings 1,077

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Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians regularly face pressure to be accurate, complete work on time, and make well-informed decisions. They wear protective masks, gloves, and goggles for their safety and protection because they work with infectious specimens or materials that produce fumes. Few hazards exist, however, if they follow safety procedures. These workers stand for long periods, and they may need to lift or turn disabled patients to collect samples. Most clinical laboratory technologists and technicians work full time. Those who work in 24-hour facilities, such as hospitals and some independent laboratories, may work evening, weekend, or overnight hours.

Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems
Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job
Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment
Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
Using equipment or systems
Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
Testing how well a product or service works
Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working
Using math to solve problems
Selecting and managing the best workers for a job

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed.

Usually several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.