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Occupation AtlasMedical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

O*NET · 29-2011.00

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Also called Biochemistry Technologist · Blood Bank Laboratory Technologist · Blood Bank Medical Technologist · Blood Bank Technologist · Cath Lab Technologist · Cath Lab Technologist (Catheterization Laboratory Technologist) · Chemistry Technologist · Clinical Chemist
30 more

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) · Clinical Laboratory Technologist · Clinical Research Associate · Clinical Researcher · CLS · Differential Specialist · Hematology Technologist · Histologist Technologist · Histotechnologist · Immunohematologist · Lab Specialist · Lab Specialist (Laboratory Specialist) · Lab Tech · Lab Tech (Laboratory Technologist) · Medical Lab Technologist · Medical Lab Technologist (Medical Laboratory Technologist) · Medical Numerical Control Operator · Medical Technologist (MT) · Microbiology Medical Technologist · Microbiology Technologist (MT) · MLS · MLS (Medical Laboratory Scientist) · MT · Pathology Lab Technologist · Pathology Laboratory Technologist (Pathology Lab Technologist) · Research Technologist · Technologist · Tissue Technologist · Travel Interventional Radiology Technologist · Travel Medical Technologist

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.15
  • R Realistic5.81
  • C Conventional4.99
  • S Social2.77
  • E Enterprising1.51
  • A Artistic1.13

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Some College Courses2%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree32%
  • Bachelor's Degree52%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate14%
Related work experience
None (27%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (27%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Sciencebasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Quality Control Analysis3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Operations Monitoring3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Operation and Control3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Time Management3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Complex Problem Solving3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Instructing3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Mathematicsbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Equipment Maintenance3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Troubleshooting3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Selection2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Choose a software application to complete a work assignment
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Persuasion2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Repairing2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Programming2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Operations Analysis1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.50.5
  • Installation1.1—

Tasks

13 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.4.8
  2. Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.4.8
  3. Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.4.8
  4. Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.4.8
  5. Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.4.7
  6. Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.4.7
  7. Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.4.7
  8. Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.4.7
  9. Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.4.7
  10. Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.4.6
  11. Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.4.5
  12. Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.4.3
Show the other 3
  1. Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.4.3
  2. Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.4.5
  3. Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.4.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Chemistry4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Customer and Personal Service4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Computers and Electronics4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administrative3.94.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Biology3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Mathematics3.94.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Education and Training3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
  • Medicine and Dentistry3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
  • Mechanical3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Administration and Management2.92.8
  • Production and Processing2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Physics2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Psychology2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Law and Government2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Telecommunications2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Therapy and Counseling1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Communications and Media1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Transportation1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.71.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Geography1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Foreign Language1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Philosophy and Theology1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sales and Marketing1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Food Production1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Inductive Reasoning4.34.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Near Vision4.34.8Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Information Ordering4.14.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Problem Sensitivity4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Category Flexibility3.94.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
  • Oral Expression3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Flexibility of Closure3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Selective Attention3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Speech Recognition3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Manual Dexterity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Written Expression3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speed of Closure3.13.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Far Vision3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Number Facility3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Memorization2.92.8
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Time Sharing2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Originality2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Trunk Strength2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Multilimb Coordination2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction Time2.12.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.01.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Rate Control2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Stamina2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Static Strength2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Response Orientation1.91.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Strength1.80.8
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.85.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.85.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.85.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.75.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Processing Information4.65.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.54.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.54.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.56.0Level 7 looks like: Check the status of a patient in critical medical care
Show all 41
  • Working with Computers4.53.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.44.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.46.0Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
  • Training and Teaching Others4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.15.4Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.74.6Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.54.9Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.12.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Thinking Creatively3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.82.9
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.21.3Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate5.0
  • Telephone Conversations5.0
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections4.7
  • Contact With Others4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.4

Technology

23 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • eClinicalWorks EHR software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (16)
  • Commercial plate reader software
  • Database software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Email software
  • FileMaker Pro
  • Hematology laboratory workflow management software
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Medical digital imaging software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Medical system integration software
  • Microscopic image capturing software
  • Quality control software
  • Reimbursement screening software
  • Specimen tracking software
  • Test result delivery software
  • Test routing software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
  2. Histotechnologists
  3. Cytogenetic Technologists
  4. Histology Technicians
  5. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
  6. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
  7. Cytotechnologists
  8. Neurodiagnostic Technologists
  9. Phlebotomists
  10. Biological Technicians

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.