Clinical Laboratory Technician: Job Profile & Salary

Overview

Hospitals are big places with lots of moving parts working in unison to keep the entire operation humming. Clinical laboratory technicians represent some of the most important pieces of this elaborate framework. They work behind the scenes, conducting the tests and analyses that physicians use to make their diagnoses. Clinical laboratory technicians are responsible for a number of tasks, including examining body fluids and cells and matching blood for transfusions. The job requires the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment, such as microscopes and cell counters. With continued advancements in technology, lab work has become more analytical, so laboratory personnel should have excellent judgment skills. More complex procedures are reserved for clinical laboratory technologists, who must possess a bachelor's degree. Technicians, who must hold at least an associate's degree, often work under the supervision of technologists.

With steady population growth and the development of new lab tests, the job market for clinical laboratory technicians is expected to remain strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects clinical laboratory technician employment growth of 14.7 percent between 2010 and 2020, adding 23,800 more professionals to the 161,200 jobs currently in this field.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for clinical laboratory technicians was $36,280 in 2010. The best-paid 10 percent in the profession made approximately $56,040, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $24,210. Top-paying metropolitan areas for this occupation include Vallejo, Calif., San Francisco, and Providence, R.I.

Training

One of the most appealing aspects of this profession is the relatively easy attainability of the education and training requirements. Most clinical laboratory technicians possess an associate's degree from a community college or junior college program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Others simply receive a certificate from a hospital or a vocational school. Additionally, a small percentage of technicians learn their skills on the job.

Reviews and Advice

Making connections during education and training programs is one of the most effective ways to land a clinical laboratory technician job. Cathy Otto, president of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, says becoming a member of a professional organization offers excellent networking opportunities that will increase your chances of getting hired. For clinical laboratory technologists, Otto recommends taking writing and speech courses in addition to the standard curriculum; technologists with superior communication skills will have more opportunities to transition into supervisory roles.

» Real Advice From Real Clinical Laboratory Technicians