Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Carry out standard laboratory procedures to aid in the detection, evaluation, and monitoring of medical conditions. Possibility of working under the direction of a medical technologist.

Career Snapshot

ABOUT MEDICAL OR CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN CAREERS

When a doctor prescribes a battery of tests for a patient, the tests are almost always done by medical and clinical laboratory technologists. These specialists examine and analyse blood, urine, and other bodily fluids, tissue, and cells. 

They search for bacteria, parasites, and aberrant cells using sophisticated microscopes and other equipment. They also check blood cholesterol levels, as well as type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions. In larger labs, such as those found in many hospitals, technicians typically specialise in blood work, microbiology, or another field. 

The job may also include supervising medical and clinical technicians. A bachelor's degree in medical technology or a life science, as well as an internship, are usually required for this employment. Work can be stressful, especially when you have to complete a hard test precisely in a short amount of time. But it's also pleasant to know that you're giving a doctor the information he or she needs to save a life or cure a condition.

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Characteristics

Level of responsibilities
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
Competition for this position
Communication with others
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
Critical decision making
Comfort of the work setting
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
Exposure to job hazards
Physical demands
Leadership
Dealing and handling conflicts

Activities

Documenting/Recording Information Know More
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Know More
Getting Information Know More
Interacting With Computers Know More
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Know More
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Know More
Processing Information Know More
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Know More

Areas of Study

Biology Know More
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English Language Know More
Mathematics Know More
Medicine and Dentistry Know More
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Degrees

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Top Skills

Active Listening Know More
Complex Problem Solving Know More
Critical Thinking Know More
Instructing Know More
Operation Monitoring Know More
Reading Comprehension Know More
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