Medical Laboratory Technology Career Explorer

Job Description

Medical Laboratory Technology professionals perform clinical laboratory procedures in chemistry, hematology and microbiology. They help physicians diagnose, monitor, prevent and treat disease. 

A person in this career will do the following:

  • Set up, adjust and maintain medical laboratory equipment
  • Analyze test and experiment results to make sure they meet specifications
  • Record test results and prepare reports
  • Analyze body fluids, such as blood and urine, to detect abnormalities
  • Operate equipment necessary for laboratory work
  • Manipulate patients as necessary for the performance of laboratory procedures
  • Evaluate patient, test reactions, medical test results and the working environment
  • Communicate with the patient, family, medical personnel and others to disseminate information relevant to patient care
  • Use a microscope to differentiate microscopic components 

Working conditions and physical demands

  • Handle loads of up to 10 pounds, sometimes up to 20 pounds. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machine, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items, such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves and hearing protection.
  • Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time.
  • Exposed to disease and infections more than once per month through work such as patient care, laboratory work and sanitation control

Working in this career involves the following physical activities:

  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
  • Seeing clearly at a distance

Work hours and travel

  • Rotating shift work
  • Weekend work

Career at a Glance

Salary Range
$22,556 to $39,769

Skills Needed
Interest in science, medicine, pathology and hands-on activities
Good problem-solving and communication skills
Self-directed learner
Good math and science skills
Good computer skills

Job Duties
Perform and analyze lab test on blood and other body fluids for use in diagnosis and treatment
Interpret findings involving tissue, blood and body fluids

Work Locations
Hospitals
Physician's offices
Public health labs
Research labs