Learn what a medical laboratory technician is and consider whether this career is right for you.
Medical laboratory technicians play a vital role in the effective diagnosis and treatment of patients. You will collect samples and perform tests to support doctors and other medical professionals as they detect diseases and treat patients.
Jobs in health care, including medical laboratory technicians, will likely increase at a faster-than-average pace, according to projections from 2023 to 2033 [1]. That means you will have plenty of opportunities to pursue a career in health care, especially one that allows you to work hands-on in a laboratory supporting cutting-edge research.
Take a closer look at what medical lab technicians do and how you can begin this career.
Laboratory technicians have a wide range of responsibilities that might vary depending on their particular laboratory setting. These day-to-day tasks may include:
Collecting samples of blood and other substances
Performing lab tests on samples and analyzing results
Ensuring quality control of samples
Adhering to a laboratory’s standards and policies
Preparing samples and processing them as needed
Operating lab equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters
Logging test data into patients’ medical records
A career as a laboratory technician can be rewarding and meaningful because you get to help physicians and surgeons determine a patient's diagnosis. It can be an exciting challenge for anyone who enjoys solving problems. Clinical laboratory technicians act as investigators, finding clues and uncovering answers that can help patients receive better diagnoses and treatment.
Medical laboratory technicians work behind the scenes on important research for advancements in the medical field to help others. Few other careers let you work within the medical community in this way. Laboratory work is very hands-on, so no day is ever boring.
It’s possible to get an entry-level role as a laboratory technician without a four-year degree, making it an appealing option for those looking to quickly and affordably enter the workforce.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that clinical laboratory technicians make an average of $60,780 per year [2]. The field of clinical laboratory technologists is fast-growing and is projected to grow 5 percent from 2023 to 2033 [2]. This equates to about 24,200 openings for this role each year over the decade.
According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-paid medical lab techs make up to $142,000 per year [3]. Keep in mind that many factors affect salary potential, including the industry and location you work in, your background, and your employer.
You’ll need a combination of formal education and certifications to begin your career. Check out the following steps to guide your path toward a career as a medical laboratory technician.
To become a medical laboratory technician, you'll need either an associate or bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science. This type of degree includes courses in chemistry, biology, math, and statistics and will prepare you for an entry-level job.
In this degree program, you'll take science and math courses, but you'll also get familiar with tests and samples and how they are used to treat patients. You'll learn hematology and microbiology, too. Throughout the two- or four-year program, you'll understand what type of lab work interests you as a potential specialization.
You might want to consider choosing a school that offers job placement assistance and career counseling for students. Some programs emphasize clinical work experience to enhance your skill set so that you can secure a job quickly.
In addition to your degree, some states may require certifications or licenses. Check your state's board of licensing or the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science to see if you need a certificate. Even if your state does not require one, some employers only hire certified lab technicians.
It is wise to pass the exam while your studies are fresh in your mind. Earning a certification can set you up for success in your future career endeavors.
To become certified, you’ll have two hours and 30 minutes to complete the 100-question medical laboratory technician (MLT) exam.
As a laboratory technician, you might work with some of these specific job roles within the medical lab. They may also interest you as you decide whether a career as a lab technician is right for you.
Clinical pathologists study the causes and nature of diseases.
Histotechnicians prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination.
Cytotechnologists study cells and cell anomalies by analyzing cellular patterns under a microscope and identifying diseases.
Phlebotomists draw blood and help people feel comfortable with the process.
As a medical lab tech, you can work behind the scenes to build a rewarding career supporting medical professionals for the ultimate good of their patients. Is a career in health care right for you? Take a beginner-friendly course like Introduction to Healthcare from Stanford University to find out.
course
The goal of hiring managers is not just to hire people who need a job. It’s to hire people who believe in their organization, its mission and the work ...
4.5
(171 ratings)
54,882 already enrolled
Average time: 20 hour(s)
Learn at your own pace
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Healthcare Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm.” Accessed December 3, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm." Accessed December 3, 2024.
ZipRecruiter. “The 25 Highest Paying Clinical Laboratory Technician Jobs in 2024, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/g/Highest-Paying-Clinical-Laboratory-Technician-Jobs.” Accessed December 3, 2024.
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.