CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Clinical laboratory technicians, also referred to as medical laboratory technicians, perform less complex tests and laboratory procedures than clinical technologists. They use microscopes, chemicals, computers, laboratory equipment and instruments to perform laboratory tests that are critical to the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Technicians collect blood specimens. They inoculate culture media to identify bacteria and monitor the quality of tests and procedures. Clinical lab technicians report abnormal or unusual results to the clinical technologist or pathologist.

Education

Clinical and medical laboratory technicians typically need a two year associate degree.

Registration/Certification/Licensure

Individuals seeking to become a technician must pass a national certification examination from one of the following agencies: American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry or American Medical Technologists.

Salary

$13,500-33,000

Employment Opportunities

Most clinical laboratory technicians work in hospitals. Others work in medical laboratories, offices and clinics of physicians, research and testing laboratories and blood banks.

Programs

Central Kentucky Technical College, Health and Human Services Dept., Lexington	(859) 246-2400
Cumberland Valley Technical College	(606) 337-3106
Eastern Kentucky University, Dept. of Clinical Laboratory Science	(859) 622-3078
Hazard Community College, Dept. of Allied Health	(800) 246-7521
Hendersonville Community College	(800) 696-9958
Madisonville Technical College	(270) 824-7552
Somerset Community College, Biological Sciences	(606) 679-8501

Professional Associations

American Medical Technologists
2100 West Harrison Street
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 738-1336

American Society of Clinical Pathologists
710 Higgins Road
Park Ridge, IL 60068-5765
(847) 823-5169

Last updated: June 26, 2001