Occupation Details
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
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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
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
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.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
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 MorePerfusionist
Learn MoreApprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
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.
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.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
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.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
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.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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.
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.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
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/semi-automated dipstick analysis systems
- Automatic pipetters
- Bench refractometers
- Blood agar plates
- Blood bank refrigerators
- Blood collection needles
- Blood collection syringes
- Blood culture incubators
- Butterfly needles
- Candle jars
- Capillary tubes
- Cell counters
- Cell washers
- Centrifuges
- Chemistry analyzers
- Chromatographs
- Coagulation analyzers
- Collection tube holders/adapters
- Colorimetric devices
Technology
- Billing software
- Commercial plate reader software
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Email software
- FileMaker Pro
- Google Docs
- Hematology laboratory workflow management software
- IBM Notes
- Microscopic image capturing software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Minitab
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
- maintain laboratory or field equipment
- communicate technical information
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- monitor worker performance
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- prepare vaccines, biologicals, or serums
- prepare sterile solutions, infusions, or intravenous packs
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment
- prepare biological specimens for examination
- collect blood or tissue samples
- draw blood
- set up or calibrate laboratory equipment
- 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
- teach individuals work-related techniques or skills
- 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
- cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations
- label blood samples
- enter analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection 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 clinical sterilizing technique
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use quantitative research methods
- use knowledge of metric system
- collect scientific or technical data
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- calculate medical diagnostic test results
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
- Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
- Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
- Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
- Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
- Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
- Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.
- Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
- Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.
- Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.
- Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.
- Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.
- Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
- Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
- Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
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 MoreAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
The Society's purpose is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology through publication of scientific and educational journals,organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for funding of basic research and education, support of science education at all levels, and promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce.
Learn MoreAssociation for Women in Science (AWIS)
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is dedicated to achieving equity and full participation for women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. AWIS is a network, a resource, and a voice that operates on both national and local levels.
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 MoreCenter for Integrated Manufacturing Studies (CIMS)
CIMS works with business and government to find cost effective solutions to specific problems within industry. CIMS represents a dynamic collaboration of in-house technical experts, as well as academic, industry and government resources. Located on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology, their unique, world-class facility houses three centers, four major programs, and an all-encompassing training program.
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 Education Center's Science Mini-Lessons (Elementary)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Science Mini-Lessons (High School)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Science Mini-Lessons (Intermediate)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
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 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 MoreEnergy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC)
Created in 1998, it was established as an active expansion of Albany NanoTech. E2TAC's mission is to support energy and environmental technology deployment through accelerated commercialization by leveraging partnerships between industry, government and university.
Learn MoreEurekAlert! Science for Kids Portal
The EurekAlert! Science for Kids Portal is a central, online source for kid-friendly news and resources. The Portal is housed within EurekAlert!, the editorially independent, online news service operated by AAAS, the science society. Content for the Portal is provided by hundreds of universities, associations, medical centers and other research organizations worldwide.
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 MoreLifeWorks: Career Exploration in Health and Medical Science
LifeWorks Web site is a tool for students to help raise their awareness about the broad range of health and medical science career pathways that are available to them and to help them make career decisions.
Learn MoreLifeWorks: Career Exploration in Health and Medical Science
LifeWorks Web site is a tool for students to help raise their awareness about the broad range of health and medical science career pathways that are available to them and to help them make career decisions.
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 MoreMuseum of Science: Ask a Nanoscientist
The Museum of Science and the Materials Research Society have teamed up to answer your toughest nanoscience questions. Scientists don't always agree on every detail, especially in a new area of study and research like nanotechnology, so the answers might include details that are still being debated.
Learn MoreNIH Curriculum Supplement Series
The NIH Curriculum Supplement Series are interactive teaching units (K12) that combine cutting-edge science research discoveries from the National Institutes of Health, one of the world's foremost medical research centers, with state-of-the-art instructional materials. Each supplement is a teacher's guide to two weeks? of lessons on science and human health. Supplements are now aligned to state standards, NYS included.
Learn MoreNanoKids
Several of the molecular structures known as the NanoKids, vaporize and become airborne condensing onto the motherboard. There, among the huge jungle of circuits and transistors, is the NanoLoft, a nanoscale hangout for the NanoKids and their adventures. Based on actual anthropomorphic molecules synthesized in the laboratory, the NanoKids concept utilizes universally recognized forms exhibiting human characteristics to instruct, motivate, and entertain students.
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 Energy New York
New Energy New York is a consortium of New York energy related technology organizations that convened to expand and promote energy technology excellence in New York State.
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 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 MoreRochester Museum and Science Center Bathysphere Underwater Biological Laboratories (BUBL) Voyage
Participate in and explore the underwater world of Lake Ontario in a virtual underwater experience that is exciting, educational and adventurous.
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 MoreSummerITeens: Academic Camp
SummerITeens is a series of academic summer day camps held on the SUNYIT campus, with the goal of introducing area teens to topics not usually covered in their regular school subjects. These camps incorporate a variety of activities to ensure diverse learning opportunities and fun outcomes. The Camps include Energy, Robotics, Nanotechnology and a Girls' Applied Math/Science Camp.
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 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 MoreWestchester Community College Summer Science Academy for Kids and Teens
Review the basic principles of biology, use skeletons and models to explore basic human anatomy, play detective and try to identify illnesses and learn more about cloning, DNA, and designing genes at the Summer Science Academy for Kids and Teens.
Learn MoreWomen Are Scientists Video Series
"Women Are Scientists" is a series of FREE video presentations that showcases successful female scientists in their respective specialties, and informs students about educational requirements, rewards, and challenges of careers in the biomedical sciences
Learn More