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Clinical Laboratory Technician and Technologists

Clinical Laboratory technicians and technologists are allied health professionals and essential members of the patient care team.

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What does a Clinical Laboratory Tech do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Clinical Lab Technicians and Technologists perform medical laboratory tests to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. They typically test and analyze body fluids, operate laboratory equipment, record data from medical tests, enter it into medical records, and discuss their findings with physicians. Technicians and Technologists set up, calibrate, and maintain microscopes, cell counters, and other equipment. They work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research facilities, public health departments, and physician offices.

The difference between a Technician and a Technologist is that a Technician requires less schooling and performs less complicated tasks. Technologists perform more complex assignments and are more responsible for the overall quality in laboratories than technicians are. Technologists prepare specimens for detailed manual tests, whereas Technicians typically perform more automated routine tests. Technicians usually work under the supervision of technologists or laboratory managers.

For more information on what to expect in this career field, you can visit the resources provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the California Employment Development Department (EDD).

Timeline and Training: Clinical Lab Technicians may qualify for jobs with an associate’s degree, which generally takes two years. However, Technologists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, which usually takes four years. For information about education programs within California, visit the EDD website’s Occupation Guide. There, you will find schools throughout California with training programs for both Technician and Technologist roles. Those interested in a Technologist role can pursue careers in Clinical Laboratory Science which will require certification through a national exam. To find schools within California offering associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in these fields, go to the EDD website and review the Occupational Guide.

Career advancement: Technicians may choose to advance their careers and become Technologists, which takes additional schooling. Technologists can specialize in specific areas like microbiology, chemistry, or even hematology and graduate with a bachelor’s degree designed to move them into a clinical lab scientist role, which includes a national board exam. Some may choose to pursue research careers in lab settings. Advancement may also include becoming a supervisor or leader within the laboratory.

Additionally, Technicians and Technologists may choose to join professional organizations to continue their education, obtain additional certifications, and engage in advocacy. One important organization to know about is the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), which ensures that your program meets the educational standards required for licensure in California. Other organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), the American Medical Technologists (AMT, or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCLEP), are helpful to investigate.

Outlook: Nationally, the employment of Clinical Lab Technicians and Technologists is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032 [1]. Clinical Lab Technician and Technologist jobs in California are expected to grow by 14.6% between 2020-2030. Nationally, the median annual wage for Clinical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists was $60,780 in May 2023, and in California, the median annual wage in 2022 was $63,869.[2].

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