Medical Laboratory Technologist

Your Fit

Income

$78K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

A Medical Laboratory Technologist is a healthcare professional who performs complex tests and procedures on patient samples to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They work with various types of laboratory equipment and analyze a wide range of biological specimens.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech), Medical Technologist (MT)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Medical Laboratory Technologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Medical Laboratory Technologist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Medical Laboratory Technologist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$67K per year	$78K per year	$88K per year	$96K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $13K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Medical Laboratory Technologist do?

Work environment

Medical Laboratory Technologists primarily work in hospital and private laboratories, clinics, and research facilities. They often work in clean, well-lit, and sterile environments. Their work can include regular hours but may also require weekends, evenings, or on-call shifts, especially in hospitals that operate around the clock.

Quick task list

Conducts and analyzes laboratory tests on blood, bodily fluids, and tissues.
Operates and maintains laboratory equipment.
Ensures the accuracy and reliability of test results.
Implements quality control procedures.
Collaborates with healthcare providers to discuss test results.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Chemistry: Analyzing chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.
Microbiology: Identifying microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Hematology: Studying blood and blood-forming tissues to identify disorders.
Immunology: Testing for immune responses, such as allergies, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases.
Cytotechnology: Examining human cells to detect signs of cancerous and precancerous changes.

Description

Medical Laboratory Technologists are critical members of the healthcare team, providing vital information that influences patient care and treatment decisions. They perform a variety of laboratory tests, from routine blood counts to more complex analyses for diseases like cancer or diabetes. These professionals must be skilled in using advanced laboratory equipment and technology, including microscopes, automated analyzers, and cell counters.

Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in this role, as the results of laboratory tests directly affect patient diagnosis and treatment. Medical Laboratory Technologists must adhere to strict safety and quality standards to ensure the reliability of test results. They must also keep detailed records and sometimes assist in interpreting and reporting findings to physicians.

The work requires a strong foundation in sciences like biology and chemistry, as well as specialized knowledge in areas like microbiology and hematology. Technologists need to be able to work independently but also collaborate effectively with laboratory colleagues and other healthcare professionals.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to patient care and the diagnosis of diseases.
Working with cutting-edge laboratory technology.
Opportunities for specialization in various areas of laboratory science.
Being a key part of a healthcare team.

You might make a good Medical Laboratory Technologist if you are...

Fascinated by science and technology.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.
Comfortable working with complex laboratory equipment.
Interested in medical research and diagnostics.
Able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Pros:

Key role in healthcare with a significant impact on patient diagnosis and treatment.
Opportunities for specialization and advancement in a variety of scientific fields.
Steady demand in the healthcare industry, offering job stability.
Potential to work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and research labs.

Cons:

Requires a bachelor's degree and extensive technical training.
Can involve repetitive tasks and long hours, sometimes in high-pressure situations.
Exposure to biohazards and strict adherence to safety protocols is necessary.
May include irregular hours, especially in hospitals with 24/7 operations.

How to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist

Typical education

Typically, a Medical Laboratory Technologist needs a bachelor's degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science, which is a 4-year program. Certification, which can be advantageous for employment, generally requires a degree from an accredited program and passing a national exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to build a strong foundation in the sciences.
Mathematics, particularly statistics, for data analysis.
Computer Science to develop skills in laboratory information systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining science clubs or participating in science fairs.
Volunteering or shadowing in medical or laboratory settings.
Engaging in activities that encourage attention to detail and analytical thinking.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related field.
Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations or internships in a laboratory setting.
Pursue certification from organizations like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Consider specializing further with additional education or on-the-job training in areas like microbiology or immunology.

More resources

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - Offers certification and educational resources for laboratory professionals.
American Medical Technologists (AMT) - Provides certification and continuing education for various allied health fields including medical laboratory technology.
Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) - A community of professionals that provides leadership in the clinical laboratory industry.
Lab Tests Online - A public resource on clinical lab testing from the laboratory professionals who do the testing.
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) - Offers accreditation and approval of programs in the clinical laboratory sciences and related health professions.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.