The primary job of a clinical laboratory technician is to perform tests in order to detect, diagnose and treat diseases.  They search for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms through examination and analysis of bodily fluids and cells.  They are responsible for determining the chemical contents of certain fluids, comparing blood types in preparation for transfusions and monitoring a patient’s response to drug levels in the blood throughout procedures.  During the examination process a technician will also check for abnormal cells and verify specific cell counts.

The equipment used in the laboratory is quite sophisticated.  It allows the technicians to perform a variety of tests simultaneously with the use of automated and computerized equipment.  The use of microscopes and cell counters is also prevalent to analyze results to pass along to the physicians. 

It is the job of the clinical laboratory technician to examine and evaluate all tests.  It is crucial that the proper results are determined in order to correctly implement the findings.  Technicians in are employed by small labs are generally able to perform a variety of tests.  Those employed in larger labs are primarily specialized technicians who focus on one task.

There is a slight difference in the job of a technologist in comparison to technicians.  Technologists are responsible for more of the complex research involving chemical, biological, hematological, immunology, microscopic and bacteriological tests.  They work more with the chemical content and chemical reaction of specific samples.  Technicians often times handle less complex tasks.  They are more times responsible for the preparation of specimens and the operation of the automated analyzers and also run manual tests.

The clinical laboratory technicians that specialize in certain areas also have specific titles.  Microbiology technologists or technicians examine and identify areas concerning bacteria and microorganisms.  The technicians that are familiar with the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids and those who are responsible for preparing specimens are referred to as chemistry technologists or technicians.  Individuals who specialize in the collection, type and preparation of blood for transfusions are called immunohematology technologists or technicians. 

Those who specialize in the immune system and track foreign particles and the body’s response to it are known as immunology technologists or technicians.  The preparation of slides of body cells and those who examine the cells by the use of microscopes (mainly to detect the beginning stages of cancer) are called cytotechnologists.  Those who perform testing for complex protein and nucleic acid on cell samples are molecular biology technicians.

A basic requirement for individuals seeking employment as a clinical laboratory technician is a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a major in biology, physics or chemistry.  It may be possible to obtain a position with on the job training in association with education and specialized courses but it is more common for employees to be hired upon completion of college.

Courses that are generally required in order to complete the bachelor’s degree program are chemistry, biological sciences, microbiology, mathematics and statistics.  There are also courses that specialize in specific skills needed to work in a clinical laboratory.

 The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is responsible for specifying what programs are acceptable for their accreditation approval.  Currently they acknowledge 469 programs that meet the guidelines for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians, histotechnologists and histotechnicians, cytogenesis technologists and molecular scientists.  While the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences is the major accreditation commission others include the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Most states require clinical laboratory technicians and technologists to go through a licensing program.  Information in regards to the specifics of individual states is available from the State Department of Health or the Board of Occupational Licensing.  This process is a standard requirement for most organizations and is absolutely necessary for those who seek advancement.

It is essential for those interested in pursuing a career as a clinical laboratory technician to be outstanding in the field of analytical judgment while also being able to work under extreme pressure.  Being able to work in close detail is essential due to the fact that small differences can be crucial in determining different outcomes to readings and findings.

Along with a substantial understanding and knowledge of biology, physics and medical terminology, it is critical for technicians to have computer skills.  With all the latest in technology advancements, more and more information is being deliberated through computer system.  Less hands-on work is necessary in this field these days.  The ability to research and develop new techniques makes a technician or technologist more of an asset.  Those who continue education in an effort to stay on top of the latest in medical technology will also find added benefits to employment as a clinical laboratory technician or technologist.

Salary differences in this line of work will vary greatly due to the specific classifications of certain technologists and technicians.  Technicians or technologists that choose to specialize in a specific area are compensated based on the degree of responsibility.  Many technicians who do a variety of tasks in a lab will earn less than those who engaged in additional courses to earn a specialty degree.  Those who obtain higher education tend to earn more than those who choose to enter as an entry-level employee.  Here is a breakdown of the average range of earnings for clinical laboratory technicians and technologists who have specialized degrees.  The range differs based on the place of employment.

Cytotechnologists tend to earn $24.07 per hour working in private clinic, $24.77per hour working for a hospital and $25.66 per hour for those working in a Physician office laboratory.

Histotechnologists can earn $19.22 per hour working in a private clinic, $19.88 per hour working for a hospital and $20.50 per hour working in a Physician office laboratory.

Medical Technologists can earn $18.00 per hour working in a Physician office laboratory, $19.00 per hour in a private clinic and $20.40 per hour for those employed in a hospital.

Histotechnicians can earn $16.13 per hour working in a private clinic, $16.97 per hour for those working in a hospital and $20.00 per hour working in a physician office laboratory.

Medical Laboratory Technician earn about $14.75 per hour in a physician office laboratory, $15.00 per hour for working in a private clinic and $16.12 per hour for those working in a hospital.

Phlebotomists earn the least amount of money but tend to set their own schedules.  In a physician office laboratory they can earn $10.50 per hour, in a private clinic phlebotomists can earn $10.57 per hour and those working in a hospital can earn $11.13 per hour.

Many clinical laboratory technicians can also increase their average yearly salaries by advancing to positions of management or lab owners.  There are special requirements established for individuals wishing to attain either of these positions in the form of licensing and certification.  The ability to specialize in a particular field will also increase the yearly wages considering the degree of difficulty and responsibilities associated with the position.  It is important to check into the many different specialty degrees available as well as the different hospitals to understand the needs, requirements and complete earnings of specific clinical laboratory technicians.