• Medical Laboratory Technician Job Description

    A medical laboratory technician is a laboratory employee who performs specialized chemical, bacteriological, and microscopic tests of body fluids, tissues and cells under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist.

    A medical laboratory technician should be curious, empathetic, methodical, analytical, responsible and safety-conscious, and have the ability to perform accurate and reliable laboratory tests and provide timely results with and without supervision.

  • What does a Medical Laboratory Technician do?

    Medical laboratory technicians may do some or all of the following:

    • clean, sterilize and maintain lab instruments and equipment
    • collect specimens from patients for testing
    • prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with specimens
    • examine and analyze body fluids, tissue and cells
    • match blood for transfusions
    • test blood for drug level
    • perform other laboratory procedures and tests
    • help physicians interpret test results
  • Where does a Medical Laboratory Technician work?

    Places of work for medical laboratory technicians include:

    • Biotechnology companies
    • Food companies
    • Pharmaceutical companies
    • Chemical and cosmetic companies
    • Veterinary clinics
    • Forensic centers
    • Health clinical laboratories
    • Transplant and blood donor centers
  • Working Conditions

    Medical laboratory technicians may work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays. They work in the laboratories of hospitals, clinics, health centers, etc. They may be required to wear protective clothing and gloves when working.

  • What is Required to Become a Medical Laboratory Technician?

    To become a medical laboratory technician, you will need to have an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related discipline.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Medical laboratory technicians need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • dependability
    • accuracy and precision
    • manual and finger dexterity
    • good hand-eye coordination
    • good eyesight and near vision
    • good attention to detail
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • computer skills
    • record keeping skills
    • the ability to keep information confidential
    • the ability to work calmly under pressure
    • the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
    • knowledge of chemistry and biology
    • knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures
    • knowledge of clinical microbiology
    • knowledge of the use and operation of laboratory equipment such as microscopes and cell counters

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Radiographer
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Nurse
  • Physiotherapist
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
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