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.