Occupation Details
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$48,690.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$78,750.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$87,850.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
19,980
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
23,350
+337 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,699
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Learn MoreCytotechnologist
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 22-gauge needles
- 5-part differential automated hematology analyzers
- 8 and 12 channel pipettes
- Agglutination viewers
- Anaerobe jars
- Analytical balances
- Antigen-coated test plates
- Autoclaves
- Automated chemistry analyzers
- Automated coagulation analyzers
- Automated platelet analyzers
- Automated urinalysis equipment
- Automated/semi-automated dipstick analysis systems
- Automatic pipetter diluters
- Automatic pipetters
- Automatic tissue processors
- Balances
- Bench refractometers
- Blood agar plates
- Blood bank refrigerators
- Blood collection needles
- Blood collection syringes
- Butterfly needles
- Calorimeters
- Candle jars
- Capillary tubes
- Cell counters
- Cell washers
- Centrifuges
- Chemistry analyzers
Technology
- Commercial plate reader software
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Email software
- FileMaker Pro
- Microscopic image capturing software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- Specimen tracking software
- Spreadsheet software
- Test routing software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- monitor worker performance
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- communicate technical information
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment
- prepare biological specimens for examination
- set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
- maintain laboratory or field equipment
- explain complex mathematical information
- collect blood or tissue samples
- draw blood
- teach individuals work-related techniques or skills
- cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use biological testing instruments
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- store medical laboratory specimens
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- isolate and identify micro-organisms
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
- calculate medical diagnostic test results
- compile numerical or statistical data
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use hazardous materials information
- use health or sanitation standards
- follow infectious materials procedures
- use medical lab techniques
- use quality assurance techniques
- use research methodology procedures in health care
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use sanitation practices in health care settings
- follow microbiology procedures
- use knowledge of medical terminology
- use biological research techniques
- use clinical sterilizing technique
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use knowledge of metric system
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze medical data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct medical laboratory tests
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- perform statistical analysis
- conduct analyses or tests of biological material samples
- conduct tests or analyses of blood samples
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- adhere to safety procedures
- verify completeness or accuracy of data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- collect scientific or technical data
- obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers
- collect statistical data
- research human or animal disease
- label blood samples
- enter analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
- Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
- Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
- Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
- Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
- Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
- Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
- Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
- Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
- Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
- Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.
- Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
- Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
- Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.
- Conduct medical research under direction of microbiologist or biochemist.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Action Bioscience: Lesson Directory
Action Bioscience provides original peer-edited lessons, written by science educators, to specifically accompany peer-reviewed articles on their site. Each lesson contains questions related to the article, as well as a variety of student activities that promote active learning and inquiry into current issues in the biosciences. The site is endorsed by the National Association of Biology Teachers.
Learn MoreAction Bioscience: Promoting Bioscience Literacy
Why preserve life's variety? How fragile is our planet? What does the genome reveal? How is biotech changing the world? The Action Bioscience site offers original material and links to articles and classroom resources that help shed light on these and other issues affecting everyday life in a variety of ways.
Learn MoreAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences: Serving Biology and Society
The American Institute of Biological Sciences is a nonprofit scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. AIBS advances its mission through coalition activities in research, education, and public policy; publishing the peer-reviewed journal BioScience and the education website ActionBioscience.org; and more.
Learn MoreAmerican Museum of Natural History Adventures 2007 Summer Camps
Summer Adventures 2007 includes hands-on investigations, behind-the-scenes tours, and visits with Museum scientists. Some topics include: Fossils and DNA, Ocean Adventures, Mythic Creatures, Destination Space, Robotics and more!
Learn MoreCELLS alive!
CELLS alive! has captured with film and computer-enhanced images living cells and organisms for education and medical research. This is the place to watch cells in motion! A few of the animations illustrated include the basic cell-cell interactions that lead to antibody production, the stages of mitosis in an animal cell and the sequence of activities exhibited by cells.
Learn MoreCareers in Science, Women in Research
Careers in Science, Women in Research is a website featuring career profiles of nine women in a variety of careers related to scientific research. You may also order online a FREE set of colorful classroom posters featuring these women.
Learn MoreClinical laboratory technologists and technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreColumbia University Summer Research Program for Science Teachers
The primary aim of the Program is to provide New York metropolitan area middle and high school science teachers with sustained hands-on experience in scientific research so they can better understand the practice of science, and better transmit to their students and fellow teachers a feeling for its practice. Each teacher spends two consecutive summers working as a laboratory research assistant under the supervision of a Columbia faculty mentor.
Learn MoreCommunity Summer Science Program (CSSP)
The summer high school research program at BNL consists of four separate programs based on grade level and previous experience at BNL. Preference is given to Suffolk County students. This commuter program covers a five week period and is intended to assist students with their science based career plans.
Learn MoreCornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR) Institute for Chemistry Teachers
This intensive one-week lecture and laboratory course is designed specifically for high school chemistry teachers to update them on recent advances in chemistry. Lectures will be given by various Cornell faculty on topics such as equilibrium, organic chemistry, redox reactions, electrochemistry and fuel cells. Corresponding laboratory activities designed for the classroom will also be presented.
Learn MoreCornell University Institute for Biotechnology and Life Science Technologies
The Institute for Biotechnology and Life Science Technologies serves as a focal point for bringing together university scientists conducting research in the biological and physical sciences. It embraces education, training and research in advanced technologies and their application to societal needs, using basic principles in physics, chemistry and engineering. A major role is to promote the education and training of biologists, engineers, agricultural personnel, and medical scientists.
Learn MoreCornell University Summer Internship Program for High School Students
The High School Student Internship Program at Cornell University immerses rising high school juniors and seniors in a 4 week nanobiotechnology experience. You actively participate in designing and fabricating devices. As part of this experience, you gain skills and understanding in the new field of nanobiotechnology.
Learn MoreExploring the Nano World
The objective of this site is to introduce you to the tools that let us "see" atoms, manipulate them, and create nano-architectural wonders. An excellent resource for teachers, movies, slide shows, kits, lessons, references and modules for K12 teachers are available.
Learn MoreJCC Summer 2007 Workshops:Kids Camp Series
JCC Summer 2007 Workshops Kids Camp Series topics include the exploration of local wetlands and identify water pollution levels in local streams (The 3 Cs: Critters, Chemistry and Computers ), learn the techniques used by forensic scientists (Jefferson CSI ), and hands on demonstrations and a dissection experience(Camp Med )with Samaritan Medical Center.
Learn MoreMedical Laboratory Technicians
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreMinority High School Apprenticeship Program (MHSAP)
This program offers research apprenticeships to students who have completed 9th grade during the 06 to 07 academic year and are an underrepresented minority from high schools in Suffolk County and Inner City Outreach schools. The program consists of five one week modules of instruction: meteorology, physics, biology, chemistry, and environmental science.
Learn MoreNational Association of Biology Teachers (NABT)
The National Association of Biology Teachers empowers educators to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students. NABT supplies a rich collection of resources and programs that help you meet the challenges you face every day and NABT puts those resources in your hands.
Learn MoreNational Space Biomedical Research Institute Elementary Activitiy Guides for Teachers
Sharing the excitement and importance of space research and exploration is a primary goal of the NSBRI's Education and Outreach Team. The Elementary Activities From Outerspace to Innerspace include Muscles and Bones, Sleep and Daily Rhythms, Food and Fitness.
Learn MoreNational Space Biomedical Research Institute Middle School Activitiy Guides for Teachers
Sharing the excitement and importance of space research and exploration is a primary goal of the NSBRI's Education and Outreach Team. The Middle School Activities From Outerspace to Innerspace include Muscles and Bones, Sleep and Daily Rhythms, Food and Fitness, and other topics are The Brain in Space and What's Up With Jose and Cecilia's Story.
Learn MoreNew York Academy of Sciences:The Laureates of Tomorrow Nobel Essay Contest
Students are invited to participate in a science essay contest honoring the Nobel Prizes and the scientific work they recognize. The Laureates of Tomorrow ? NOBEL ESSAY CONTEST is open to juniors attending public, private, or parochial high school in New York City. Each applicant may submit his or her essay in only one of three categories: Physics, Chemistry, or Physiology/Medicine.
Learn MoreOffice of Science Education (OSE):Free Resources for Science Teachers
OSE plans, develops, and coordinates a comprehensive science education programs to strengthen and enhance efforts of the NIH to attract young people to biomedical and behavioral science careers and to improve science literacy.
Learn MorePeriodic Table of the Elements
Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed an interactive, internet resource for the science classroom, A Periodic Table of the Elements. When you open any file of an element in the periodic table, you will find a small table with some basic information about that element and this resource for elementary, middle and high school students gives a complete picture of the elements including the history, source, properties, uses and handling of.
Learn MorePestWorld for Kids
Come explore the world of pests then use your knowledge to outwit the pests in your world! PestWorld for Kids explores pest ecology as the intersection between human-created habitats and animal needs for food and shelter. The site offers information resources, interactive learning games, and lesson plans that support National Science Standards.
Learn MoreSci4Kids
Bridging the gap between science, agriculture, and kids, Sci4Kids is geared to children ages 8 to 13. The site is a series of interactive stories based on research projects featured in Agricultural Research. Themes include transportation, weird science, cities, aquaculture and more!
Learn MoreScience & Technology Entry Program (Step) at Fordham University
The Science & Technology Entry Program (Step) at Fordham University is an enrichment, pre-college program for students who excel academically and want to pursue careers in scientific, technical, health related and licensed professions. STEP offers an array of programs and services after school and on Saturday mornings during the academic year, and during a four-week, full-time summer program in July.
Learn MoreScience and Society Essay Contest: High School Essay Contest
The Science and Society Essay Contest aims to challenge students to question and deliberate the purposes and social implications of scientific research. Briefly describe the historic context of the science, then describe how this breakthrough could lead to new products or technologies and how those advances would impact human society. All high school students (9th to12th grade) who attend school in Suffolk or Nassau County are eligible.
Learn MoreSmithsonian National Zoological Park Online Resources for Educators and Students
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a great place to discover and appreciate diverse and unusual creatures from tiny leaf-cutter ants to huge elephants. The Zoo's Online Resources website has animal fact sheets, live web cams, links to other educations sites, photo galleries, articles from our magazine, and Conservation Central, an online habitat education program that helps kids learn about habitat conservation through curricula and activities and more.
Learn MoreSummer Workshops for Kids
Explore local wetlands and identify water pollution levels in local streams (The 3 C's: Critters, Chemistry & Computers ), learn the techniques used by forensic scientists (Jefferson CSI ), or hands-on demonstrations and a dissection experience(Camp Med )with Samaritan Medical Center .
Learn MoreSummerITeens:Professional Development Opportunities
SummerITeens Professional Development Opportunities for area educators include Energy and Nanotechnology Camp and Math and Science Institutes for grades K12.
Learn MoreTech Valley Summer Camp
Tech Valley Summer Camp is an exciting opportunity in which girls and boys from local schools spend five days engaged in FUN, and exciting activities alongside professionals in the fields of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, Alternative Energies, Information Technologies, and Multidisciplinary Engineering. Each day of the camp is hosted by a different Tech Valley business, organization, or university.
Learn MoreTechValleyCareers
The Center's mission is to support appropriate career development through the design and delivery of innovative resources and programs that prepare students for the 21st century workplace. is an online clearinghouse for information about high tech careers in the Greater Capital Region. Through this website, educators, students and parents are linked to education and career opportunities made possible by the high tech growth and expansion in Tech Valley.
Learn MoreUniversity of Rochester Medical Center: Life Sciences Learning Center Teacher Programs
Put on a lab coat and experience a variety of hands-on laboratory investigations and workshops available at the Life Sciences Learning Center (LSCL). These professional development workshops are offered to give educators experience with cutting edge science technologies. These hands-on workshops also provide teachers with innovative instructional materials that align with New York State Math, Science and Technology Standards.
Learn MoreUniversity of Rochester Medical Center: Life Sciences Learning Center Student Programs
The variety of laboratory investigative topics are designed for groups of students accompanied by their teacher to introduce students to scientific concepts and advances through hands-on inquiry-based learning methods. The programs are 2.5 to 4 hours in length and align with the New York Standards Core Curriculum. Science Out Of School offers informal hands-on activities Saturdays and Holidays.
Learn MoreUniversity of Rochester: Summer Research Program for High School Teachers
The primary focus of this program is full-time, hands-on research. Each teacher will be a working member of a specific research team in the Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Chemical Engineering Departments. A stipend and housing are provided for teachers.
Learn MoreUniversity of Wisconsin Internships in Public Science Education: Educator Resources
The University of Wisconsin Internships in Public Science Education program has developed a variety of lesson plans and activities that include Nanoscale activities that are good introductions to nanotechnology. They focus on helping students understand just how small the nanoscale is and introduce students to related topics like atoms and scientific notation. The Applications activities provide students a hands-on introduction to how nanotechnology might be used in their daily lives.
Learn More