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Clinical Laboratory Workers, also known as Medical Laboratory Workers, perform scientific fact-finding tests in the clinical laboratories of hospitals, doctors' offices, and independent clinics for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Because the level of their skill and education varies widely, their duties may range from routine testing to highly complicated analyses.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Clinical Laboratory Workers may:

Obtain specimens for chemical analysis

Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components

Operate, calibrate and maintain equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, and computer-controlled analyzers

 Cultivate, isolate, and identify microorganisms

 Cut, stain, and mount tissue sections

 Analyze samples for chemical content or reaction

 Study blood cells, their numbers, and morphology, using microscopic techniques

 Type and cross-match blood samples

 Perform medical research to further control and cure disease

 Analyze test results and enter findings in a computer

 Set up and maintain laboratory equipment

 Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members and researchers

To see Clinical Laboratory Technicians at work click here .

 The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Clinical Laboratory Workers may specialize in these areas:

078.261-038 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS perform chemical, microscopic, and bacteriologic tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. They may specialize in blood bank technology, hematology, serology, or other areas. They perform administrative and supervisory duties in clinical laboratories.

 078.261-010 CHEMISTRY TECHNOLOGISTS perform chemical analyses of body fluids and excretions for the presence and quantity of sugar, albumin, acetone bodies, chemicals, drugs, and poisons.

 078.261-014 MICROBIOLOGY TECHNOLOGISTS perform tests to identify bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.

 078.281-010 CYTOTECHNOLOGISTS stain, mount, and study cells of the human body to diagnose the nature and extent of disease.

 078.261-030 TISSUE TECHNOLOGISTS, also known as histologic technologists, prepare sections of human and animal tissues for microscopic examination. They use rapid tissue processing and the frozen section technique to freeze cut, mount and stain tissue specimens received from surgery. They also operate computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study.

 078.381-014 MEDICAL-LABORATORY TECHNICIANS perform a wide range of tests under the supervision of a Medical Technologist or laboratory director.

 078.687-010 BLOOD AND PLASMA LABORATORY ASSISTANTS perform routine tasks related to processing whole blood and blood components.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Clinical Laboratory Workers generally work as part of a team under the supervision of higher-level laboratory personnel. Medical technologists supervise medical laboratory technicians, assistants, and aides. Medical technologists are supervised by the chief medical technologist, the laboratory director, and/or the pathologist.

Most Clinical Laboratory Personnel work in hospitals, others work in private laboratories, doctors' offices, clinics, public health agencies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, university labs, blood bank centers, and industrial plants. These employers are usually concentrated in larger cities. 

Laboratories generally are well lighted and clean. Unpleasant odors and specimens of many kinds of diseased tissues are present and some hazards do exist. Exposure to infectious and toxic agents, is a possible hazard, but if regulations concerning the handling of these types of materials are observed, the danger is reduced.

Clinical Laboratory Workers generally work a 40-hour week. In hospitals they can expect to work some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Occasionally Workers are hired specifically for on-call, part-time, evening, or weekend assignments.

Most Laboratory Workers are required to buy and maintain uniforms and/or lab coats and white shoes. However, some employers furnish free or low cost laundry service.

Clinical Lab Workers may join professional associations such as The American Society for Medical Technology and The American Medical Technologists, Inc. Union membership is required in some settings. Organizations or union members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Doing scientific/technical work using a variety of equipment/specimens

You Should Be Able To:

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Attain set limits or standards of accuracy

• Understand mathematical concepts

• Work under pressure of time and accuracy

• Use logical step-by-step procedures in your work

• Make decisions from data which can be measured or checked

• Communicate well, in speech and writing (for some positions)

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

The mean corpuscular hemoglobin measures the amount, or average weight of hemoglobin in the red blood cell. If the hemoglobin = 13.5 and the RBc = 5 million, what would the equation be?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Formiminoglutamic acid is a compound that is derived from the amino acid histidine and requires active folic acid for normal metabolism to glutamic acid.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare a written analysis after conducting an experiment on red blood cells.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Many times clinical laboratory workers work with infectious specimens and need to consider proper methods of infection control and sterilization to prevent health hazards. Clinical workers also need analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure.

Clinical experience and education in specified fields from accredited institutions are required for employment. Requirements vary with the specialty. It is becoming increasingly necessary for Clinical Laboratory Workers to be certified or registered. For specific requirements, contact organizations from among those listed under the "Additional Sources of Information" section of this Career Exploration Script.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

016 LABORATORY OCCUPATIONS CLUSTER

Approved vocational education programs in Laboratory Occupations Cluster prepare students to perform routine clinical laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of medical laboratory technicians, pathologists, or other physicians. They may learn to assist a pathologist by preparing, cutting, and staining tissue for study under a microscope.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

CLINICAL LABORATORY ASSISTING

HISTOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

100 MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Medical Laboratory Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment performing medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical Laboratory Technologists work in hospitals, clinics, private laboratories, and in health departments under the supervision of pathologists. Program length varies with the type of degree offered and skill level associated with the degree.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

           ***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com.

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS

Medical laboratories are an important part of the military health care system. The staffs of medical laboratories perform clinical tests required to detect and identify diseases in patients. Medical laboratory technicians conduct tests on the tissue blood, and body fluids of medical patients.

What They Do

          Medical laboratory technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Use lab equipment to analyze specimens (samples) of tissue, blood, and body fluids

• Examine blood and bone marrow under microscopes

• Test specimens for bacteria or viruses

• Draw blood from patients

• Assist in collecting specimens at autopsies (medical examinations of the dead)

• Record and file results of laboratory tests

Training Provided

Job training consists of classroom and on-the-job instruction, including practice in testing specimens. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Medical laboratory procedures

• Study of human parasites and diseases

• Laboratory administration and record keeping

Helpful Attributes

          Helpful school subjects include biology, chemistry, and algebra. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific and technical work

• Ability to follow detailed procedures precisely

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to work with colored chemicals and dyes

Work Environment

Medical laboratory technicians work in medical centers, clinics, and hospitals on land or aboard ships.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian medical laboratory technicians usually work for privately owned laboratories, hospitals, clinics, or research institutions. They perform duties similar to military medical laboratory technicians.

Opportunities

The military need new technicians each year. After job training, technicians perform routine laboratory tests under close supervision. With experience, they do more complex testing and analysis and work more independently. After demonstrating job proficiency, medical laboratory technicians help train new technicians and supervise laboratory personnel. In time, they may advance to laboratory management positions.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Secondary vocational education programs in a laboratory technicians cluster and postsecondary programs in medical lab technology may provide a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Military service also offers experience for this occupation.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Clinical Laboratory Worker employer

internships

volunteer work with a Clinical Laboratory Worker employer

community service work with an agency

Clinical Lab Workers enter the field through direct application to employers. Information on finding jobs may be obtained from professional journals, school placement offices, and newspaper want ads. Some employers may offer free on-the-job training; others may require payment for training. Although individuals might enter this occupation through apprenticeship training, currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan.  In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Salaries of Clinical Laboratory Workers vary by type, size, and geographic location of employers. Other factors are experience, education, seniority, specialty, and certification or registration.

Nationally, annual salaries (early 2009) of Clinical Laboratory Workers who were employed by hospitals and related institutions were:

The median salary in this occupation was $40,716 per year in 2008.    The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

The federal government paid beginning Medical Technology graduates starting salaries of $35,135or $42,405per year (2009), depending on their college records. Medical-Lab Technicians received starting salaries ranging from $17,540to $27,026, depending on their college records. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

In Michigan, Clinical Laboratory Workers employed by hospitals had annual salaries (late 2008) of:

Clinical Laboratory Workers may receive additional pay for evening and night shift work and for being on call.

Clinical Laboratory Workers usually receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; pension plans; and paid sick leave. Some employers may also have profit-sharing plans.

Experience, education, and certification are important factors for advancement in this field. Certified Lab Assistants who obtain additional education, clinical training, and experience may advance to Medical Technicians and Technologists. Medical Technologists may advance to supervisory, administrative, teaching, or research positions.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 318,600 Clinical Laboratory Workers employed in 2006. Employment of Clinical Laboratory Workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Clinical Laboratory Workers looked like this:  

Employment opportunities will be more favorable in commercial laboratories, HMO's, surgicenters, and ambulatory care clinics. Some openings may also arise in the growing and emerging biotechnology industry.

There are about 9,125 Clinical Laboratory Workers employed in Michigan.  Employment of Clinical Laboratory Workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Factors influencing employment in this field are an aging population and greater health consciousness.

 The trend towards automation and computerization may reduce the number of smaller laboratories in favor of larger, regional laboratories. Medical technologists who have specialized will find some opportunities in these regional laboratories. One-fourth of all households perform some type of medical self-diagnosis, using test kits (such as the pregnancy test kit). As new self-diagnosis kits are developed for home use, the employment of clinical laboratory workers will be affected.

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth