How to Get a Job as a Clinical Laboratory Technician
There are few lulls in hospital laboratories. Most of the time, clinical laboratory technicians are on the move, performing a test here and analyzing a fluid sample there. Otto says that while the job keeps people busy, it is not overwhelming. She says the pace depends on the time of day (mornings are busiest) and size of the laboratory (smaller operations are typically less demanding). To work in this environment, Otto says a person must have "good attention to detail and follow-through, the ability to think on their feet, plan, organize, and problem solve." Most technicians work 40 hours per week, with some working night shifts and weekends. At larger hospitals, holiday shifts are usually rotated among staff members, so most technicians end up working a few holidays each year.
Interview Questions Submitted by Real Clinical Laboratory Technicians
"How would we benefit by hiring you?" - Henry Ford Health System Medical Laboratory Technician Candidate (Location Unknown)
"Did you ever notice anyone that was doing something wrong or incorrectly? What did you do?" - DuPont Laboratory Technician Candidate (Location Unknown)
What is the Job Like?
Making connections during education and training programs is one of the most effective ways to land a clinical laboratory technician job. Cathy Otto, former 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 Reviews From Clinical Laboratory Technicians
+ "Depending on which department you work for, the scheduling is very flexible. The supervisors are chosen with the best abilities. They are very understanding and are not too strict on vacation days. The benefits are good (medical, dental, etc.) and the working environment is comfortable." - Monogram Biosciences Clinical Laboratory Technician (South San Francisco, CA)
+ "My supervisor, very fair, diplomatic and conscientious of family life and my work schedule. Very talented co-workers, I work with very smart, hardworking people. Good benefits. Swing shift is awesome." - Salem Hospital Medical Lab Technician (Salem, OR)
- "No respect for others, a saying 'Just Do It,' no feedback or comments, no cost-of-living, no bonuses, no growth, repetition, and changing job titles." - Concentra Medical Lab Technician (Memphis, TN)
- "It is an easy job, but very monotonous and stressful at times. Co-workers are mostly left to manage themselves and each other, which means there can be quite a bit of tension when a co-worker decides they are going to avoid work." - Baxter Lab Tech (Hoover, AL)
Review information and interview questions supplied by Glassdoor.
